Doctor advises seeking care if there is a reaction to the Butantan vaccine
The Ministry of Health announced the temporary suspension of vaccination with the dengue vaccine developed by the Butantan Institute, after the identification of 42 episodes of serious adverse reactions recorded by the post-vaccination surveillance system. The measure generated doubts among those who have already received the vaccine about the next steps to take.
In an interview with CNN Novo Dia, Lorena de Castro Diniz, a doctor member of the scientific department of ASBAI (Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology), clarified the guidelines for those vaccinated and commented on the progress of ongoing investigations.
Investigation without defined deadline
Lorena de Castro Diniz explained that the investigation is being conducted by the National Immunization Program together with experts from the Technical Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Health. According to her, the deadline for completing the work is still undetermined.
"This investigation, in fact, has an indefinite period. It will be completed as quickly as possible, but always within the premise of safety", he stated.
The doctor highlighted that the investigative process may result in changes in vaccination strategies, including changes in the target audience, age group and conditions for continued use of the vaccine.
"Sometimes there will be changes in the vaccination target audience, age, and which people will be able to continue with the Butantan vaccination", explained Lorena de Castro Diniz.
What to investigate in the 42 cases
According to the doctor from the ASBAI scientific department, the Ministry of Health seeks to understand why the 42 people presented serious adverse reactions, described as similar to the symptoms of dengue itself.
Among the points investigated are possible characteristics of the immune system of those vaccinated and the presence of comorbidities or underlying diseases that may have contributed to this evolution. "The adverse event depends greatly on the person vaccinated", he highlighted.
Guidelines for those who have already taken the vaccine
For those who received the vaccine and did not show any symptoms, Lorena stated that the vaccine is effective against severe forms of dengue, against hospitalizations and deaths. "For those who took the vaccine and did not have any symptoms, rest assured and safe, you are immunized there," said the doctor.
However, she warned that anyone who took the vaccine more recently should be careful during the 21 days following the application. If signs such as persistent fever, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, pain behind the eyes or muscle pain appear, the advice is to immediately seek a health service and inform them that you have used the Butantan vaccine.
"So that tests can be carried out and these people receive treatment as early as possible", concluded Lorena de Castro Diniz.
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Source: CNN