Brazil Health Ministry probes safety of Butantan dengue vaccine

Brazil's Ministry of Health and the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) are investigating 42 serious adverse events reported after the administration of the Butantan-DV dengue vaccine. The vaccine was temporarily suspended from the public health system (SUS) on 8 June while the investigation determines whether it can be safely reintroduced, possibly with restrictions on target groups or regions. A panel of academic and scientific experts, together with the Instituto Butantan, is conducting the review and will advise Anvisa on the risk‑benefit profile.

Minister of Health Alexandre Padilha said the results will guide future use of the vaccine. Meanwhile, Brazil continues to use the Takeda‑produced Qdenga vaccine, with more than 8 million doses already administered to children and adolescents aged 10‑14 and an additional 18 million doses secured through 2027.