Brazil suspends dengue vaccine after two deaths

Brazil has halted its pioneering single-dose dengue vaccine program as a precautionary measure following two deaths that occurred after vaccination. The vaccine, developed in Brazil and approved in November, had been administered to over half a million people this year.

While health officials emphasize that a direct causal link between the vaccine and the two fatalities has not been established, they acknowledge the deaths as a "warning signal." According to the health ministry, 0.7% of the 501,044 vaccinated individuals between January and May developed symptoms similar to dengue. Forty-two experienced "more severe reactions," including two cases that proved fatal. A third individual, a 38-year-old woman, required intensive care but has since recovered.

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There is not enough data to establish a cause-and-effect link between the vaccine and these three serious cases, but it is a warning signal.

Health Minister Alexandre Padilha stated that the "absolutely unexpected" effects were not observed during clinical trials involving over 16,000 volunteers. These trials had indicated an efficacy rate of 91.6% against severe dengue. The suspension aims to investigate the serious cases, with no timeline provided for the vaccine's potential reintroduction. Brazil has been a focal point for dengue, recording over 6,000 deaths in 2024, though the situation had improved last year.

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we have decided to temporarily suspend vaccination.