Brazil to prioritize dengue vaccination for 6 to 16-year-olds
The Brazilian Ministry of Health has announced its prioritization of the 6 to 16 age group for the administration of the dengue vaccine.
The country will purchase 5.2 million doses of Qdenga, produced by the Japanese laboratory Takeda, in addition to receiving donations.
This will allow the vaccination of up to 3 million individuals, considering the two-dose regimen outlined in the vaccination schedule.
Eder Gatti, Director of the National Immunization Program (PNI), noted that the selected age group aligns with recommendations from both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Technical Advisory Board on Immunization, composed of experts in the field.
"Within this age group [6 to 16 years], we will determine the most effective age range to achieve optimal epidemiological outcomes, aiming to reduce hospitalizations and fatalities," the director explained.
The definition of the target population and priority locations will be made jointly with states and municipalities, at a meeting scheduled for January 25.
Gatti confirmed that vaccination is expected to start in February. This follows the Ministry of Health's announcement on December 21 regarding the integration of the vaccine into the country's national public healthcare network, the SUS.
Brazil is the first nation in the world to provide the dengue vaccine through a public and universal healthcare system, stated the federal government
In 2023, it experienced a record number of dengue-related deaths, with the disease claiming 1,079 lives by December 27.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Brazil currently holds the highest number of reported dengue cases in the world, comprising half of the global total. Health authorities have issued warnings about a potential dengue epidemic in the country in 2024.
