The Brazil Ministry of Health began this week the dengue vaccination campaign for primary healthcare professionals, with the expectation of protecting 1.2 million frontline workers in the Unified Health System (SUS). The first 650,000 doses have already been sent to the states, and the remainder is expected in the coming days.
The strategy utilizes the Brazilian dengue vaccine, developed by the Butantan Institute, which is a single-dose, tetravalent, and 100% nationally produced vaccine, representing an important advance for the country’s autonomy and the provision of protection to the population. The start of vaccination among primary care professionals is a strategic step to protect those who work closely with the population.
The target audience includes: Healthcare professionals involved in both direct care and prevention: Doctors, Nurses, Nursing technicians, Dentists, Multiprofessional teams, Community health workers and Endemic disease control agents.
In addition, Administrative and support staff in healthcare units: Receptionists, Security guards, Cleaning professionals, Ambulance drivers, Cooks and Other workers active in primary health care units.
“Vaccination is starting with the entire multidisciplinary team registered with the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System). These are the people who knock on doors, visit people’s homes, check for mosquito breeding grounds, provide follow-up care, and carry out mobilization efforts. They are also the professionals who are at the first point of contact when there are cases of dengue fever,” highlighted the Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha.
The expansion to other target groups – people aged 15 to 59, starting with the oldest – is planned for the second half of this year, coinciding with the increased production capacity of the Butantan Institute.
In 2025, dengue cases in Brazil fell by 74% compared to 2024. Despite the significant reduction, the Ministry of Health emphasizes that actions to combat Aedes aegypti must be maintained throughout the country.
Throughout the year, 1.7 million probable cases of the disease were recorded, compared to 6.5 million the previous year. The number of deaths also showed a significant decrease: 1,700 deaths in 2025, representing a 72% reduction compared to 2024, when 6,300 deaths were recorded.
So far in 2026 (through Feb. 13), 64,399 dengue cases have been reported, including nine deaths. Another 76 deaths are under investigation.
The primary way to combat dengue, Chikungunya , and Zika remains the elimination of breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Vaccination complements vector control actions, the use of insecticides, rapid testing, and innovative technologies.