The Department of Public Health and Social Care reports that through the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), the dengue vaccination strategy, which initially targeted children aged 6 to 8 years in priority municipalities, has now been extended to 39 years of age.

This decision is based on recent epidemiological analyzes showing a high burden of the disease not only in children but also in adolescents and young adults. Between 2019 and 2024, more than 108,000 people in the 20-39 age group were infected with dengue fever in the country, making it one of the countries with the highest incidence.

These data support the expansion of the age range with the aim of increasing protection in one of the most affected groups and reducing the number of cases, hospitalizations and complications associated with the disease.

Vaccinations will continue 16 priority municipalities in the Capital, Central, Paraguari and Itapua Health Regions selected according to the intensity of infections recorded in recent years.

The TAK-003 (Qdenga) vaccine developed by Takeda Research Institute is quadrivalent and provides protection against all four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4). Administered on a two-dose schedule three months apart, it has demonstrated high protection against symptomatic dengue fever and hospitalization.

It is a safe and well-tolerated vaccine. It is administered in a licensed facility by trained personnel following procedures that ensure proper care.

Vaccination is part of a comprehensive strategy that includes epidemiological surveillance and preventive measures to reduce the impact of dengue fever in the country.

Who should not receive the dengue vaccine?

You should not receive the Qdenga® vaccine if:

• People who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine or who have had a severe allergic reaction after a previous vaccination.

• People with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency disorders.

• People with symptomatic HIV infection or asymptomatic HIV infection with a weakened immune system.

• People receiving chemotherapy or high doses of corticosteroids.

• Pregnant women.

• Women who are breastfeeding.

Why shouldn’t immunocompromised people receive the vaccine?

This is because Qdenga® is a vaccine that uses a live attenuated virus.

In people with weakened immune systems, the immune system may not be able to properly control the vaccine virus, increasing the risk of adverse events.

Can pregnant women receive vaccinations?

No, it is contraindicated during pregnancy as it is a live attenuated vaccine.

Additionally, women of childbearing age should avoid pregnancy for at least 1 month after vaccination.

What happens if I develop a fever on the day of vaccination?

If you have a severe acute febrile illness, vaccination should be postponed until you have recovered.

Vaccination is not necessarily contraindicated for mild colds.

Can people receiving immunoglobulin or blood transfusions also be vaccinated?

It is recommended that you wait at least 3 months after administering immunoglobulin or blood products.

This is to prevent the administered antibodies from neutralizing the vaccine and reducing its effectiveness.