"Scarcity and High Demand for Dengue Vaccines: A Growing Concern"
The current outbreak-news/item/2024-DON518″ title=”Dengue – Global situation – World Health Organization (WHO)”>dengue outbreak, the worst in the last 15 years, has sparked a surge in vaccination inquiries. In La Plata, the vaccine for private individuals costs around $103,000 per dose, and demand has outstripped supply, making it scarce in pharmacies.
The national plan for dengue prevention prioritizes individuals between 15 to 59 years old who have had the disease and are registered in the Argentine Health Information System. However, pharmacists report that the vaccine has been unavailable for months due to a lack of delivery from Takeda, the manufacturing laboratory.
Introduced in Argentina, the Qdenga vaccine is distributed in over 14,000 pharmacies and clinics nationwide. It protects against all four dengue serotypes and requires two doses, spaced three months apart. Unlike some other vaccines, no prescription is needed.
As of December 31, 2023, Tucumán led the way in vaccinations with 95,000 doses, followed by Santa Fe with 60,000, and Buenos Aires with nearly 53,000. In La Plata, 89 pharmacies, along with four in Ensenada and nine in Berisso, participate in the provincial vaccination campaign.
The Buenos Aires Ministry of Health reported that, by the end of 2023, 52,577 people received doses, reaching 34% of the campaign’s target. Between June and December 2023, 2,720 compatible cases were reported, with 19 confirmed—an increase of 216 compared to the first half of the year.
While the vaccine is not suitable for everyone, as it has certain contraindications, it plays a crucial role in reducing dengue transmission. Medical professionals advise against self-medicating for symptoms, as vasodilators like ibuprofen can worsen the condition. Instead, seek medical advice for diagnosis and direction.
With the dengue epidemic showing no signs of abating, ensuring access to vaccines and proper medical care remains a pressing concern.
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