A recent trial done by Sanofi and Thailand’s Mahidol
University tested the new Dengue Fever Vaccine. The makers of the vaccine were
aiming to protect 70 percent of the people given the vaccine compared to the
control group given a placebo. This goal was not even approached, as only 30
percent of the 4,000 schoolchildren did not get the virus. Experts believe this
may be because the vaccine only covers three of four strains of the virus, and
in the study, most of the sick children got the uncovered virus. Therefore, the
data was skewed. Some experts say the vaccine is a success since it covers
three out four of the strains. Expert Duane J. Gubler even says he does not
mind that the vaccine only covers three of the strains. So, this issue has
become the source of some debate among the experts.
Personally, it is not an issue of whether or not the vaccine
is a success or failure. I am surprised that there are still diseases and viruses
affecting so many that have not been cured or prevented. This disease threatens
more than half the world’s population. I was surprised to read that and then to
read even as the virus made its way to Florida a few years ago it still has not
been eliminated. I agree though with the experts who are staying positive
through these results. Bill Gates is funding this vaccine so obviously he
believes in it as well. Although it will not cover all the strains, it will prevent
many from contracting a disease that many would agree can eventually be
completely prevented.
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