Brazil suspends Butantan dengue vaccine after 42 severe adverse events

Brazil's Ministry of Health has temporarily halted the rollout of the Butantan dengue vaccine following reports of 42 serious adverse reactions nationwide, including three hospitalisations and two deaths. The precautionary measure applies to the pilot municipalities where the vaccine was introduced, such as Botucatu (SP), Maranguape (CE) and Nova Lima (MG). Health officials advise people vaccinated within the last 21 days to monitor for fever, bleeding, vomiting or rash and to seek medical care if symptoms appear, while those vaccinated earlier than 21 days are considered protected.

In Campo Grande, 1,053 doses were administered, resulting in 56 mild reactions such as local pain and malaise but no severe cases. The local health department continues to record all events for further evaluation. The vaccine, incorporated into the SUS earlier this year, is reported to prevent about 65% of dengue infections and over 80% of severe cases. Authorities stress that the suspension is a safety precaution while investigations determine any causal link between the vaccine and the reported severe events.