Dengue: Pharmacies have almost no vaccine stock – 02/16/2024 – Health

Large pharmacy chains have almost no stock for the 1st dose of dengue vaccine in São Paulo. The shortage occurs because the manufacturer is prioritizing supply to the Ministry of Health – the body expects vaccination to begin through the SUS (Unified Health System) in February.

With the explosion of cases of the disease across the country, the greater demand for the vaccine had already affected availability in private clinics and hospitals. The shortage now affects pharmacies.

The Droga Raia and Drogasil networks, for example, recorded a 600% increase in vaccine application between November and the end of January. Now, there is almost no supply left for the first dose.

“Given the strong increase in demand for the dengue vaccine and the supplier’s choice to prioritize service to the public sector, there is a reduction in stocks of dengue vaccines in our pharmacies. For those who have already taken the first dose in the Raia and Drogasil networks, however, the second dose will be available in our branches”, says a note from the company that controls the brands.

Practically the entire Pague Menos and Extrafarma pharmacy network also no longer has Qdenga available for the first dose. Until this Friday (16), the company that runs the brands registered doses available only in the states of Ceará, Pará, Pernambuco, Espírito Santo and Rondônia. Initially, the vaccine was available in 15 states.

The DPSP Group, which controls the Pacheco and São Paulo drugstores, says it has administered more than 4,000 dengue vaccines across the country, 1,300 of which in January alone. The company confirms the limitation and says it guarantees a second dose to all customers.

According to the Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, manufacturer of the Qdenga vaccine, supply to the Brazilian private market will be limited to guarantee the second dose for those who have already started the vaccination schedule. There will be no surplus for other people to take the first dose.

Available on the private network since July last year, a dose of the vaccine costs R$400 to R$490. The vaccination schedule consists of two doses spaced three months apart.

The Ministry of Health made the vaccine available to around 500 municipalities in 16 states and the Federal District, prioritizing those with high transmission of the disease and incidence of serotype 2 of the virus. Initially, vaccination will be aimed at children and adolescents aged 10 to 14, who have a higher rate of hospitalization due to the virus.