The Brazilian Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade, stated that the dengue vaccine offers hope amid the rising number of cases of the disease in the country. However, she emphasized that it is not the only solution to the current epidemiological situation due to the limited quantity of vaccines provided by the manufacturing laboratory. Approximately six million doses are available, enough to vaccinate three million people, considering that the complete vaccination scheme consists of two doses.
“The vaccine is our instrument of hope regarding a public health problem that has lasted nearly 40 years. Finally, we have a vaccine that we should celebrate. However, due to the limited quantity delivered by the laboratory and the fact that it requires two doses, it cannot be seen as a solution to the current situation,” she noted.Outbreak Control
“At this moment, our main focus is on controlling outbreaks and assisting those affected by dengue. These are our immediate measures. Vaccination will follow the priority criteria we defined with states and municipalities, which have been widely publicized, focusing on a specific segment of the population. Although the elderly are the most vulnerable group, we do not have an authorized vaccine for this segment of the population. That is why I emphasize: the vaccine is one tool among many, and currently, it is not the most impactful,” concluded the minister.Best Ways to Combat Dengue
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to combat dengue is to avoid mosquito bites. How? By using insect repellent, wearing clothing that covers arms and legs, and covering strollers and carriers with mosquito nets. Additionally, taking measures to control mosquitoes in indoor and outdoor environments, using screens on windows and doors, repairing holes in screens to keep mosquitoes out, using air conditioning if available, and preventing mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or discard items that collect water, such as tires, buckets, plant pots, toys, pools, birdbaths, cachepots, or trash containers.Source: Agência Brasil and CDC