Dengvaxia is a vaccine indicated for the prevention of dengue for children from 9 years old and adults up to 45 years old, who live in endemic areas and who have already been infected with Dengue.
This vaccine works by preventing dengue caused by serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the dengue virus, because it stimulates the body's natural defenses, leading to the production of antibodies against the dengue virus. Thus, when a person comes into contact with the dengue virus, his body reacts quickly to fight the disease.
The price of Dengvaxia can vary between 130 and 139 reais and can be purchased at pharmacies.
How to take
Generally, 3 doses of vaccine are recommended, which should be administered at intervals of 6 months between each.
It has been recommended that this vaccine only be applied to people who have already had dengue or who live in areas where dengue epidemics are frequent because people who have never been exposed to the dengue virus may be at greater risk of worsening the disease, with the need being hospital stay.
This vaccine must be prepared and administered by a doctor, nurse or specialized health professional.
Possible side effects
Some of the side effects of Dengvaxia can include headache, body pain, malaise, weakness, fever and allergy reaction at the injection site such as redness, itching and swelling and pain.
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 being vaccinated may have more serious reactions and have to be admitted to the hospital for treatment. 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 regions.
Contraindications
This medicine is contraindicated for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children under 9 years of age, adults over 45, patients with fever or symptoms of illness, congenital or acquired immune deficiency such as leukemia or lymphoma, patients with HIV or who are receiving immunosuppressive therapies and patients with allergies to any of the components of the formula.
In addition to this vaccine, there are other important measures to prevent dengue, learn how in Learn how Dengue Transmission is Made.
