COMBATING DENGUE IN BRAZIL: AN INTEGRATED ANALYSIS OF VACCINATION AND PUBLIC INVESTMENTS FOR DISEASE CONTROL

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.5157125230078

• Palavras-chave: Dengue, Qdenga, Dengvaxia, Immunization, Mortality, Vaccine.

• Keywords: Dengue, Qdenga, Dengvaxia, Immunization, Mortality, Vaccine.

• Abstract:

  Vaccination against dengue is one of the most relevant strategies in combating infectious diseases in Brazil, especially given the high morbidity and mortality rates and the socioeconomic impact associated with the disease. Currently, two vaccines have been approved, representing a significant advance ( ) in controlling the disease in a context in which approximately 40% of the world's population remains at risk of infection. This study aimed to analyze the host's immune response to the dengue virus, with an emphasis on the role of adaptive immunity in preventing severe forms and deaths, as well as to discuss the potential of vaccination as a central tool for epidemiological control. To achieve these objectives, a literature review was conducted in databases such as PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar, in addition to the use of secondary data from DATASUS. Two generations of prophylactic measures were compared: vector control, based on the use of fogging, larvicides, and insecticides, and vaccination, represented by the incorporation of the Qdenga tetravalent attenuated vaccine into the National Immunization Program in 2023. The results indicate that, although vector control actions remain fundamental, their isolated effectiveness is limited, especially in the face of climatic conditions favorable to the proliferation of Aedes aegypti. In this scenario, vaccination is indispensable but faces challenges related to low population adherence, the need for continuous monitoring of efficacy against the four viral serotypes, and the implementation of public policies supported by scientific evidence. It is concluded that combating dengue requires an integrated approach, in which vaccination plays a strategic role and should be associated with environmental measures, epidemiological surveillance, and health education in order to consistently reduce the incidence, deaths, and costs resulting from the disease in Brazil.