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2023 Author: Benjamin Dyson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 01:37
The dengue vaccine, also known as Dengvaxia, is indicated for the prevention of dengue in children, adolescents or adults, aged 9 to 45 years, who have already been infected by at least one of the dengue serotypes and who live in areas where this infection is more common.
The vaccine currently used is not available through the SUS, being only found in private immunization clinics. However, a new dengue vaccine is being developed by the Butantan Institute to be made available by the SUS and applied to people who have already been infected by one of the four dengue subtypes or to people who have never had the disease.
The dengue vaccine works by preventing dengue caused by serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the virus, stimulating the body's natural defenses and leading to the production of antibodies against this virus. Thus, when a person comes into contact with the dengue virus, the body reacts more quickly to fight the disease.
Who can take it
The dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) is recommended only for people aged 9 to 45 years, who have already had dengue or who live in areas where epidemics of this disease are frequent. This is because people who have never been exposed to the dengue virus may have a greater risk of worsening the disease, requiring hospitalization.
The dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) has weakened dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4, which when applied stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the disease more quickly.
How to take it
The dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) is administered subcutaneously, that is, on the skin of the arm, for children from 9 years old and adults up to 45 years old, who have already been infected by one of the types of dengue virus.
The dengue vaccine should be given in 3 doses, the recommended schedule being:
- 1st dose: on the date chosen by the doctor;
- 2nd dose: 6 months after first dose;
- 3rd dose: 6 months after second dose.
This vaccine must be prepared and administered by a specialist doctor, nurse or he althcare professional.
Possible side effects
Some of the side effects of the dengue vaccine Dengvaxia are headache, body ache, malaise, weakness, fever and allergy reaction at the injection site such as redness, itching and swelling and pain.
Dengue vaccine can also cause severe allergy with symptoms that may start immediately after injection, such as difficulty breathing, feeling of a closed throat, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face, or hives. Therefore, this vaccine must be applied by a he alth professional so that first aid can be provided immediately.
In addition, people who have never had dengue and who live in places where the disease is not so frequent, such as the southern region of Brazil, when vaccinated may have more serious reactions and have to be hospitalized for treatment at the hospital. hospital. Thus, it has been recommended that the vaccine be applied only to people who have had dengue before, or who live in places where the incidence of the disease is high, such as the north, northeast and southeast.
Who should not take it
Dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 9 years of age, adults over 45 years of age, or people who are allergic to any of the components of the vaccine. vaccine, in addition to not being recommended for people who have never had contact with the dengue virus.
In addition, people with fever or symptoms of illness, congenital or acquired immune deficiency such as leukemia or lymphoma, HIV infection, or who are receiving immunosuppressive therapies or cancer treatment.
