Mirassol, a city in São Paulo, Brazil, has been chosen by the Ministry of Health to participate in a pilot project for chikungunya vaccination. However, despite this initiative, the demand for the vaccine has been notably low. The vaccination campaign started a week ago, targeting approximately 37,000 residents between the ages of 18 and 59, but only less than 2% of this population has sought vaccination, with only 1,084 individuals vaccinated so far, averaging just over 200 doses per day. Health officials hope that interest in the vaccine will increase in the coming weeks.

Chikungunya has become a growing concern for health authorities in Brazil, particularly due to a notable rise in infection cases. In 2025, nearly a thousand individuals were infected within the state, leading to seven fatalities. Additionally, in Mirassol alone, over 800 cases of chikungunya were recorded in 2024, alongside three deaths linked to the disease. The local health department emphasizes the importance of vaccination as a critical measure to prevent the spread of the illness, highlighting an urgent need for greater public awareness and participation in vaccination efforts.

The low turnout at vaccination sites raises questions about public perception and the importance of education surrounding the chikungunya virus and its impacts. Despite the worrying statistics, the slow response from the community could hinder efforts to control future outbreaks, making effective communication and outreach strategies critical for altering the current trend. Authorities remain hopeful that more residents will engage with the vaccination process as awareness increases over time.