Subsidy for Dengue Vaccines
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether the Ministry of Health would subsidize dengue vaccines for previously infected individuals as proposed by Ms Joan Pereira to improve affordability. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong explained that Dengvaxia is not recommended for population-level control because Singapore’s prevalence rates are significantly lower than World Health Organization thresholds. Consequently, the vaccine is currently excluded from national immunization schedules and does not qualify for government subsidies, though the Ministry continues to monitor vaccine developments. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong advised individuals to consult doctors on personal suitability and emphasized that vector control remains the most effective prevention strategy. The public is encouraged to maintain preventive measures like the Mozzie Wipeout to remove breeding sites and protect against mosquito bites.
Transcript
55 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider subsidising dengue vaccines for persons who have had prior dengue infection as affordability is one of the reasons for people not vaccinating against re-infection.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Dengvaxia, which is currently the only licensed dengue vaccine, has been approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for the prevention of dengue in individuals age 12 to 45 years living in endemic areas. The vaccine is not suitable for those who have not been previously infected. The World Health Organization recommends that countries considering vaccination as part of a dengue control programme undertake pre-vaccination screening, to avoid vaccinating those who are unsuited. If screening is not feasible, vaccination can be considered in areas with a prevalence of at least 80% by nine years of age.
Singapore has a low dengue prevalence at 7% for individuals below 18 years of age. Among adults age 18 to 74 years, the prevalence is 45%, still below the threshold for population vaccination without screening. In view of this, the Ministry of Health's Expert Committee on Immunisation (ECI) has advised that Dengvaxia is not an effective means to control dengue at the population level. Individuals who wish to be vaccinated should first consult their doctor on whether Dengvaxia is appropriate for them. As such, it has not been included in the national immunisation schedules and is not eligible for government subsidy.
MOH will continue to monitor the development of the dengue vaccines and review regularly whether they should be included in the schedules.
Given the limitations of the available vaccine, vector control remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of dengue. We advise Singaporeans to continue with the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout to remove breeding sites at home and protect themselves from mosquito bites through the use of preventive measures such as the use of insect repellents and mosquito coils.