Summer Dengue Vaccine Shortage Sparks Concern in Rosario
As summer arrives, bringing with it the peak season for mosquito-borne illnesses, the demand for dengue vaccines is on the rise in Rosario. However, a scarcity of vaccines in local pharmacies has raised alarm bells among residents.
Claudia Varela, speaking on behalf of the Rosario College of Pharmacists, shared her insights with Cadena Oh! "Pharmacies continue to request more vaccines, and we have long waiting lists. With around 500 pharmacies in Rosario, each with 30 to 40 people awaiting their turn, plus those waiting for new shipments, we’re facing a significantly high demand," she said.
Varela also expressed concern for those who have already initiated their vaccination schedule. "Those needing their second dose are particularly worrisome, as they’ve already begun the process. Currently, the state is vaccinating individuals who can prove a medical diagnosis or recent hospitalization through hospitals and health centers," she explained.
The local laboratory has assured that they will regularize the situation in January. Until then, the vaccine remains priced at 90,000 pesos. Varela emphasized the importance of prevention, saying, "Regardless of vaccination, using repellent is crucial. We must protect ourselves not only from dengue, but also from zika and chikungunya. Repellent is key, vaccinated or not."
Listen to the full interview here.
