Low adherence to the dengue vaccine forces an increase in the target audience age group

The age range for immunization against dengue was expanded this week in three states and the Federal District. In addition to the capital, Acre, Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul increased the age limit of the campaign’s target audience from 11 to 14 years old. The main reason for the change was the low demand for the vaccine at health centers.

If adhesion remains lower than expected, the Acre Health Department informed that it will send a request to the federal government to extend vaccination to other health regions in the state.

According to the DF Health Department, 81 vaccination rooms were prepared to serve the group. However, of the 71,702 doses received, only 25,310 had been administered by the beginning of the week. Authorities want to avoid wasting vaccines, which are only valid until April 30.

Read also: The Qdenga® vaccine is an attenuated vaccine indicated for children from 4 years of age and adults up to 60 years of age.

In Goiás, until the beginning of March, only 20,753 children had been vaccinated, equivalent to 13% of the population. In total, the 134 municipalities selected by the federal government received 158,505 doses.

Finally, the decision to expand the age range in Mato Grosso do Sul was made after a meeting with representatives of the National Immunization Program (PNI). According to the Department of Health, states that feel comfortable making the enlargement received authorization from the federal government to do so.

Alert to parents

Given the likely growing number of cases – 1,342,086 as of last Friday (8) – the low adherence to the vaccine worries not only the authorities, but health professionals who deal daily with victims of the disease.

“I would like to issue this alert asking parents who have not been vaccinated to look for the vaccination room to do the vaccination. Qdenga® [vacina contra a dengue]. It is a vaccine made with the attenuated virus, a very safe vaccine. It has been developed by the Takeda laboratory since before Covid-19, before the pandemic. So, it is not a new vaccine, it is not a vaccine that was developed hastily. There are already several studies and it has gone through all the stages”, warns pediatrician Natália Bastos, who has been treating newborns to teenagers in the federal capital for 15 years.

Efficiency

When completed, with two doses, the Qdenga vaccination schedule guarantees around 80% effectiveness. Its side effects, when manifested, are small compared to those that a dengue infection can cause – including in children.

“With one dose, you generally have very mild immediate side effects and, within 10 days, some spots on the body or some pain in the body. Even so, there are few symptoms considering what dengue fever can cause in a child or adult”, adds the doctor.

*This article was reviewed by the Portal’s medical team.