The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, through the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), reports that the dengue vaccination strategy, initially aimed at children aged 6 to 8 years in priority municipalities, is now being extended to 39 years of age.
The decision is based on epidemiological analysis from recent years, which shows a high burden of the disease not only in children, but also in adolescents and young adults. Between 2019 and 2024, the 20-39 age group accounted for more than 108,000 dengue cases in the country, representing one of the highest incidence rates recorded.
These data support expanding the age range, with the aim of extending protection and reducing the number of cases, hospitalizations, and complications associated with the disease in one of the most affected groups.
Vaccination continues in the 16 prioritized municipalities of the Capital, Central, Paraguarí and Itapúa health regions , selected according to the intensity of transmission recorded in recent years.
The TAK-003 (Qdenga) vaccine, developed by Takeda Laboratories, is quadrivalent, meaning it provides protection against all four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). It is administered in a two-dose schedule, with a three-month interval between doses, and has demonstrated high protection against symptomatic forms of dengue and hospitalizations.
It is a safe and well-tolerated vaccine. It is administered in authorized facilities, by trained personnel, and under protocols that guarantee proper care.
Vaccination is part of a comprehensive strategy that includes epidemiological surveillance and prevention actions to reduce the impact of dengue in the country.
Who should NOT receive the dengue vaccine?
They should not receive the Qdenga® vaccine:
• People with allergies to any of the vaccine components or who have had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose.
• People with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency.
• People with symptomatic HIV or with asymptomatic HIV with compromised immune systems.
• People who are receiving chemotherapy or high-dose corticosteroids.
• Pregnant women.
• Women who are breastfeeding.
Why shouldn’t immunocompromised people get vaccinated?
Because Qdenga® is a vaccine with live attenuated viruses.
In people with weakened immune systems, the immune system may not adequately control the vaccine virus, increasing the risk of adverse events.
Can pregnant women get vaccinated?
No. As it is a live attenuated vaccine, it is contraindicated during pregnancy.
In addition, women of childbearing age should avoid becoming pregnant for at least one month after vaccination.
What happens if a person has a fever on the day of vaccination?
If you have a severe acute febrile illness, vaccination should be postponed until recovery.
A mild cold does not necessarily contraindicate vaccination.
Can people who receive immunoglobulins or transfusions be vaccinated?
It is recommended to wait at least three months after receiving immunoglobulins or blood products.
This is to prevent the administered antibodies from neutralizing the vaccine and reducing its effectiveness.
Egerly waiting for #QdengaLaunch in India as most of our patients has been asking for #Dengue vaccine @vaccihub.in