Brazil resumes dengue vaccine campaign in João Pessoa as Minas reports no severe side effects

Vaccination services in João Pessoa, Brazil, resumed on Thursday, June 25, after the city’s São João holiday break. All vaccines listed on the National Immunization Calendar, including influenza, are now available at municipal health centers, mobile units, and designated shopping locations.

The resumption follows the national suspension of the single‑dose dengue vaccine produced by Instituto Butantan, which was halted after reports of severe adverse events elsewhere. In Minas Gerais, health authorities confirmed that among the 82,000 doses administered in the state, no serious reactions have been reported. The state received 178,000 doses in total, and the Ministry of Health continues to investigate the 42 severe cases reported nationwide, while other dengue vaccines such as Takeda’s Qdenga remain in use.

Officials emphasized ongoing monitoring and the precautionary suspension while investigations proceed, assuring the public that the vaccine’s safety is being thoroughly evaluated.