thehealth.foundation / the vaccines institute
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Joaquim Cardoso MSc.
Servant Leader,
Chief Research & Strategy Officer (CRSO),
Editor in Chief and Senior Advisor
January 22, 2024
This executive summary is based on the article “Brazil Has Doses to Vaccinate only 1.1% of The Population against Dengue”, published by Folha de SP and written by Luciana Coelho, on January 18, 2024.
What is the message?
Brazil faces a critical shortage of the dengue vaccine, with only 1.1% of the population set to receive immunization due to limited vaccine availability.
Health Minister Nísia Trindade emphasizes the need for increased production and donations to expand vaccination coverage, particularly among the prioritized age group of 6 to 16 years old, numbering 30.5 million people.
ONE PAGE SUMMARY
What are the key points?
Vaccine Shortage and Prioritization:
Brazil’s Ministry of Health currently has 5 million doses, sufficient for the vaccination of 2.5 million people, covering only 1.1% of the population.
The prioritized age group of 6 to 16 years old, comprising 30.5 million individuals, faces inadequate vaccine coverage.
The Ministry plans to focus on vaccinating a portion of children and adolescents within this age group.
Factors Affecting Vaccination Strategy:
The vaccination strategy takes into account both age and the severity of the disease in specific states or municipalities.
Health Minister Trindade emphasizes that the vaccination plan is not finalized, requiring approximately 10 million more doses to cover the targeted population.
Reliance on Donations and Increased Production:
Minister Trindade relies on donated doses to supplement the existing stock, without specifying the expected quantity or timelines.
The urgent need for increased vaccine production is stressed to meet the demand and expand coverage.
Additional Measures and Disease Control:
Minister Trindade underscores that while the vaccine is crucial, it is not the sole solution. Control strategies, particularly vector control to manage disease-transmitting mosquitoes, are highlighted.
With an increasing number of dengue cases in Brazil, the Minister emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted approach to disease containment.
What are the key statistics?
The current vaccine supply of 5 million doses can only cover 1.1% of Brazil’s population.
The prioritized age group of 6 to 16 years old constitutes 30.5 million individuals.
What are the key examples?
The Ministry plans to factor in both age and regional impact, recognizing the need for a tailored vaccination strategy.
Minister Trindade’s reliance on donated doses signals a crucial need for international support.
Conclusion
Brazil grapples with a severe shortage of dengue vaccine doses, necessitating urgent action for increased production and international donations.
The current supply falls significantly short of covering the prioritized age group, prompting the Ministry of Health to explore alternative strategies for targeted vaccination.
Minister Trindade emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach, incorporating control measures beyond vaccination to curb the rising dengue cases in the country.
The situation underscores the need for collaborative efforts to address the health crisis effectively.
To read the original publication, click here.
