Dengue vaccine: Adverse cases were higher than expected, says ASBAI
The temporary suspension of the dengue vaccine developed by the Butantan Institute, announced on Monday (8), raised questions about the safety of the vaccine and the next steps of the vaccination program in Brazil.
In an interview with Hora H, Claudia Cavalcante Valente, from the scientific department of immunization at ASBAI (Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology), commented on what happened and brought clarifications to the population.
Adverse events above expected
According to Claudia Cavalcante Valente, the number of adverse cases recorded was higher than what had been estimated in clinical studies. "The number of cases of adverse events was higher than expected in the studies. Hence this temporary suspension," said the expert.
She highlighted, however, that the decision was taken collectively, with the participation of the technical advisory committee and the surveillance committee of the Ministry of Health.
Claudia Cavalcante highlighted that, of the 500,000 doses of the Butantan Institute vaccine administered, only 42 cases were recorded with symptoms similar to those of the disease.
The expert stressed that these cases still need to be better investigated so that the association with the vaccine can be properly established. "There is this warning sign, but it is possible that with better research the vaccine can be used in the population", he declared.
Pharmacovigilance system is highlighted as a positive point
For the specialist, the episode highlights the solidity of the Brazilian pharmacovigilance system. "This event gives more strength to the National Immunization Program, showing how the pharmacovigilance system is very well established and that this brings greater peace of mind to the population that the vaccines used are well monitored", stated Claudia Cavalcante Valente.
The ability to quickly identify and contain adverse cases was highlighted as a positive result of the continuous monitoring of those immunized.
Another vaccine remains available for teenagers
Claudia Cavalcante Valente recalled that there is another vaccine against dengue available, developed by the Takeda laboratory, used since 2024 to protect teenagers. According to her, there is no safety event associated with this vaccine.
"Families should continue immunizing adolescents with the vaccine available in the National Program", advised the specialist.
Regarding the current epidemiological situation, Claudia Cavalcante Valente noted that the incidence of dengue in 2026 is much lower than in 2024 and 2025. She warned, however, that this favorable scenario may not continue, remembering that in 2024 more than 6 thousand Brazilians lost their lives to the disease.
The specialist expressed hope that, after investigating adverse cases, the Butantan Institute vaccine could be resumed, possibly for other age groups of the population.
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Source: CNN