On Tuesday, October 24, the city of Rio de Janeiro launched a new campaign to vaccinate healthcare professionals against dengue using a recently developed vaccine by the Butantan Institute. This initiative initially focuses on workers in family clinics and municipal health centers, who are considered frontline personnel in combating the disease. The local health department has selected 100 primary care units based on the dengue cases recorded in 2025, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding those most exposed to the virus.

The campaign is set to kick off with 12,500 doses available, intended for a single application to individuals aged 15 to 59 who have not yet been vaccinated. It is noteworthy that this vaccine is designed to provide protection against all four serotypes of the dengue virus, a significant advancement in dengue prevention efforts. The approval from the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) underscores the vaccine's compliance with regulations and its readiness for public health use.

This concerted effort by the municipal health authorities highlights the urgency of tackling dengue, especially amidst rising cases in urban areas. By prioritizing healthcare professionals for vaccination, Rio de Janeiro aims to bolster the protection of those directly involved in treating dengue patients and potentially curb the spread of the disease in the population. As families and communities rely on these healthcare workers, this vaccination initiative represents an important step toward more comprehensive public health measures against dengue in Brazil.