Dengue Vaccine Second Dose Begins in the Province of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires Fights back Against dengue Fever with Expanded Vaccination Program

The Province of Buenos Aires is taking a proactive stance against dengue fever,launching an expanded vaccination program to protect its residents. Starting tomorrow, eligible residents will receive thier second dose of the dengue vaccine. Invitations have been sent via email to individuals who have previously contracted dengue,received their first dose at least three months ago,and meet the necessary criteria.

The vaccine is specifically targeted towards individuals aged 15 to 59 who have had a confirmed case of dengue and reside in the Province of Buenos Aires. The Buenos Aires Ministry of Health emphasizes that the vaccine is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those undergoing chemotherapy or high-dose corticosteroid treatment. those who received the email and meet the requirements can visit their nearest DENGUE VACCINATION post to complete their immunization schedule. Health officials stress the importance of receiving both doses for optimal protection against the most severe forms of the disease.

For individuals who haven’t yet received their first dose, the province continues to offer vaccinations. Registration is open through the website https://www.ms.gba.gov.ar/sitios/misalud/ for those who have a history of dengue but haven’t been invited for vaccination yet.

“Lid, Wash, Throw, and Turn”: The Key to Dengue Prevention

Alongside the vaccination campaign, the Buenos Aires government is emphasizing the critical role individual responsibility plays in preventing the spread of dengue. Their “lid, Wash, Throw, and Turn” campaign encourages residents to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites by:

Lid: Keeping water containers tightly sealed. Wash: Regularly cleaning and disinfecting containers that hold water.
Throw: Discarding any containers that can’t be cleaned properly.
Turn: Turning over objects that collect rainwater, such as tires, buckets, and flower pots.

The province is committed to keeping its residents safe from dengue fever and is urging everyone to participate in these preventative measures.

Dengue Vaccination Takes Center Stage in Buenos Aires Province

The Province of Buenos Aires is proactively tackling the threat of dengue fever with a focused vaccination program. Dr. Victoria Gómez,Head of Immunization Programs at the Province’s Ministry of Health,recently spoke to Archyde about the program’s progress and strategy.

“The dengue vaccination program in the Province of Buenos aires is a strategic measure to combat the spread of dengue fever,” Dr. Gómez explained. The program began with a pilot phase in 2019, concentrating on regions hardest hit by the virus. Now, the province is expanding the program, administering the second dose of the dengue vaccine to eligible residents.

Determining vaccine eligibility relies on a targeted approach. Dr. Gómez highlighted, “our strategy is focused and segmented, prioritizing regions with higher viral circulation.” The province collaborates closely with the National commission of Immunizations, adhering to national guidelines.The primary target group is children aged 9 to 45, who are considered most vulnerable and are less likely to have developed natural immunity.

To reach eligible residents,the Ministry of Health employs a targeted invitation system. Dr. Gómez elaborated on this process, saying, “Yes, we are sending invitations to eligible residents.

This proactive approach, coupled with ongoing public health vigilance, reflects the Province’s commitment to safeguarding its residents from the threat of dengue.

Staying Vigilant: The Current Standing

While no dengue outbreaks have been reported in the Province yet, authorities maintain a vigilant stance. between june 23, 2024, and January 11, 2025, 3,137 cases compatible with dengue were reported, with 16 confirmed cases. Of these, 6 were locally acquired, 8 were imported, and 2 remain under examination.

The most recent season, spanning from July 27, 2023, to the third week of June 2024, recorded 118,929 confirmed positive cases, with 97.6% being locally acquired. The peak incidence occurred in the third week of March. hospitalizations reached 7,794, with 444 requiring intensive care, and sadly, 101 deaths were reported.

It’s critically important to remember that dengue is transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.Transmission occurs only through mosquito bites, and there is no person-to-person spread. For complete information on dengue, visit www.gba.gob.ar/dengue or call 148.

Preventing Dengue: A collective Effort

Dengue prevention is a shared responsibility. Residents can contribute significantly by taking simple yet powerful steps:

• Store water containers tightly to prevent mosquitoes from accessing stagnant water.
• Regularly wash containers, gutters, and drains to remove mosquito eggs.
• Discard unused containers that can collect water.
• Turn over items that may hold water,such as buckets,air conditioning collectors,and flower pot holders,after rain.
• keep yards and gardens clean and store car covers indoors.

by working together, we can make a significant difference in curbing the spread of dengue fever.

Fighting Dengue Fever: A Conversation with Dr. Gómez in Buenos Aires

Dengue fever is a serious public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Province of Buenos Aires is actively combating this threat by offering a tetravalent dengue vaccine to its residents. To understand the program’s details and effectiveness, we spoke with Dr. Gómez, a leading expert in the province’s fight against dengue.

“We’re utilizing a variety of methods to reach eligible residents,” Dr. Gómez explained. “This includes customary channels like media and public announcements, and also digital platforms and direct invitations to schools and healthcare centers.”

This comprehensive approach ensures that information about the vaccine reaches a wide range of individuals, maximizing participation in the vaccination program. Onc the province gathers a list of interested individuals, appointments are scheduled to ensure a smooth vaccination process.

The dengue vaccine used in the province is a tetravalent vaccine, which protects against all four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV 1-4).

“The tetravalent nature of the vaccine is crucial,” Dr. Gómez emphasized. “It provides comprehensive protection against all strains of the virus, significantly reducing the risk of infection.”

The vaccine works by triggering the body’s immune response to the dengue virus, preparing it to fight off infection in the future.

Early results from the program have been promising,with the vaccine proving to be quite effective. “While no vaccine is 100% effective,” Dr. Gómez stated, “clinical trials and real-world data have shown that this vaccine can prevent around 60-80% of severe dengue cases and 30-50% of all dengue cases. Moreover, it’s safe, with a reactogenicity profile similar to othre routinely administered vaccines.”

Dr. Gómez strongly recommends that residents continue to practice mosquito prevention measures alongside vaccination.

“Using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed, and reporting any signs of mosquito breeding to local authorities are all crucial steps in preventing dengue fever,” Dr. Gómez advised. “Dengue prevention is a community effort, and every person plays a crucial role.”

What groups are NOT recommended to receive the dengue vaccine?

Archyde Exclusive Interview: Dr. Victoria Gómez on Buenos Aires’ Expanded Dengue Vaccination Program and Prevention Efforts

Archyde (A): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gómez. You’re heading the immunization programs at the Buenos Aires Ministry of Health. Could you start by giving us an overview of the expanded dengue vaccination program?

Dr. Victoria Gómez (VG): Thank you for having me. the expanded dengue vaccination program in Buenos Aires province is part of our ongoing commitment to combat dengue fever. We’ve been vaccinating since 2019, initially focusing on areas with high viral circulation. Now, we’re administering the second dose of the dengue vaccine to eligible residents.

A: How does the Ministry determine who is eligible for the vaccine?

VG: Our strategy is targeted and segment-based. We prioritize regions with higher viral circulation and focus on individuals who have previously contracted dengue, reside in the Province, and are aged 15 to 59. It’s crucial to stress that the vaccine is not recommended for certain groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those with compromised immune systems.

A: How is the ministry reaching out to eligible residents?

VG: We’re sending invitations via email to those who fit the criteria and have previously received their first dose at least three months ago. Those who received the invitation can visit their nearest dengue vaccination post to complete their immunization schedule.We’re also encouraging those who haven’t received their first dose yet to register on our website.

A: That’s a robust approach. Alongside the vaccination campaign, the Province is emphasizing individual responsibility with the “Lid, Wash, Throw, and Turn” campaign. How significant is this collective effort in dengue prevention?

VG: The “Lid, Wash, Throw, and Turn” campaign is absolutely crucial. Dengue prevention is a shared responsibility. While our vaccination program provides essential protection, eliminating mosquito breeding sites is key to preventing new infections. The campaign encourages residents to keep their surroundings clean and free of stagnant water, which is where mosquitoes breed.

A: Could you remind our readers of the specific steps involved in this campaign?

VG: Certainly. Residents are urged to: Lid water containers tightly, Wash those that can’t be sealed and regularly clean them, throw away any containers that can’t be cleaned, and Turn over objects that might collect rainwater.

A: what’s the current dengue situation in the Province? Are there any reported outbreaks?

VG: We’re maintaining a vigilant stance, but no dengue outbreaks have been reported yet. however, we’re closely monitoring the situation. between June 23, 2024, and January 11, 2025, we reported 3,137 cases compatible with dengue, with 16 confirmed cases. Last season, from July 27, 2023, to the third week of June 2024, we had 118,929 confirmed positive cases.

A: those are concerning figures. What shoudl residents do if they suspect they have dengue?

VG: If you suspect you have dengue, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. In the meantime, you can visit www.gba.gob.ar/dengue or call 148 for more data on dengue symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

A: Thank you, Dr. Gómez, for your time and for sharing your insights on dengue prevention and the expanded vaccination program.

VG: thank you. It’s a collective effort, and we rely on everyone’s participation to keep our Province safe from dengue.