MANILA — A vaccine expert is urging the Department of Tourism to explore the practice of some European countries of recommending dengue vaccines as a precautionary measure for travelers, particularly those visiting regions where the virus is widespread.

Dr. Lulu Bravo, executive director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, made the recommendation in a media briefing on Friday. She said dengue vaccines could serve as “travel vaccines” for people heading to countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, where dengue is endemic.

“Many businesspeople, tourists, and travelers going to countries with high dengue rates want protection,” Dr. Bravo said. 

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“I’m calling on our tourism secretary to consider this. If dengue cases remain high in the Philippines, we could see a decline in tourism, as visitors may avoid countries with high infection rates.”

Despite rising cases, Philippine health regulators have not yet approved TAK-003, a second-generation dengue vaccine developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda. 

The Department of Health has said the Food and Drug Administration is still waiting for additional documents from the manufacturer.

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In 2023, Takeda voluntarily withdrew its application for a biologics license from both the US Food and Drug Administration and Singapore’s Ministry of Health. Dr. Bravo explained that this was primarily due to the need for more clinical data, particularly regarding booster doses.

“Initial data showed nearly 90% efficacy in preventing hospitalization during the first two years of use,” she said. 

“However, the manufacturer wants more data to ensure accuracy and long-term effectiveness.”

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In February, the Philippine Medical Association and the End Dengue Coalition sent a letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., urging him to grant Filipinos access to dengue vaccines.

“We’re still waiting for a response from Malacañang,” said PMA’s Dr. Erica Davillo. “We hope to hear something by June. We believe the Palace will respond positively.”

Dr. Davillo emphasized that one of the biggest challenges in fighting dengue is changing people’s mindset and behavior.

“During COVID-19, we managed to reduce vaccine hesitancy, why can’t we do the same now. Everything starts with us.” she said. 

Experts are hopeful that the Philippines will still meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of reducing dengue cases by 50% and eliminating deaths from the disease by 2030. 

However, they acknowledge that it will not be easy, especially with challenges like overcrowded communities, poor sanitation, and rapid urban development — all of which create ideal breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

From January to April 2025, the DOH recorded over 95,000 dengue cases, a 75% increase compared to the 54,000 cases during the same period in 2024.