Brazil Suspends Dengue Vaccine After Severe Adverse Events and Two Deaths

The Brazilian Ministry of Health has temporarily halted the use of the dengue vaccine produced by Instituto Butantan following reports of 42 serious adverse reactions and two deaths possibly linked to the immunisation. The suspension, announced on 8 June 2026, applies to ongoing vaccination campaigns, while doses already distributed must remain refrigerated until further notice. Authorities will conduct active surveillance of new adverse cases, review reports by batch and location, and work with ANVISA and a specialist committee to determine causality. The ministry stressed that no definitive link between the vaccine and the fatalities has been confirmed. The separate dengue vaccine Qdenga, aimed at children and adolescents aged 10‑14, continues to be available through the public health system.

The Ministry also urged individuals vaccinated within the past 21 days to monitor for symptoms such as fever, persistent vomiting, intense abdominal pain, dizziness, bleeding, excessive sleepiness or dehydration and to seek immediate medical care if they occur.