Qdenga Vaccine Shortage in Pergamino: Availability Rumored by February, Public Immunization Continues

The availability of QDenga, the dengue vaccine, remains uncertain in Pergamin, with rumors suggesting a potential restock by the end of February. Simultaneously, public immunization efforts continue for individuals who previously contracted dengue and registered in the system.

For over four months, Pergamin and the broader Buenos Aires region have faced a shortage of QDenga, the only authorized dengue vaccine. Pharmacies across the area report no stock, leaving many who need immunization or a second dose in limbo. the uncertainty around replenishing supplies has fueled speculation, with whispers of a possible restock in late February.

“We believe the lab ran out of production due to massive purchases by the provincial government and Buenos Aires City,” explained Raquel Speranza, president of the Pergamin College of pharmacists.

Despite the absence of available doses, the vaccine’s price has risen from 97,962 to 102,812 pesos per dose. Remember,two doses are required. “Some prepaid and social works cover a portion, but others offer no coverage at all,” added Speranza.

Understanding QDenga

produced by Takeda Laboratory, QDenga is a live, attenuated quadrivalent vaccine administered in two doses, spaced zero and three months apart. it protects against all four dengue serotypes for individuals aged 4 and above, with no upper age limit. However,Argentina’s Anmat has not approved its use for those over 60.

Public Vaccination Efforts

Since November, the “San José” hospital vaccination center has been administering dengue vaccines to individuals aged 15 to 59 who suffered from dengue in 2024 and were registered nationally. Recently, the registry expanded to include those who had dengue but weren’t previously recorded.

Official data shows that in Health Region IV, 42% of eligible individuals have already received both doses.

Provincial Health clarified that those meeting the criteria—aged 15 to 59 and diagnosed with dengue—but who haven’t received notifications can register through Buenos Aires’ “My Health” portal: ms.gba.gov.ar/sitios/misalud/.

It’s essential to wait six months post-dengue infection before vaccination. The vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, for immunocompromised individuals, or those undergoing chemotherapy or high-dose corticosteroid treatments.

“Many neighbors are excluded as private labs didn’t upload their diagnoses to the unified registry. Through ‘My Digital Health,’ those who’ve had dengue can register and be added to the system,” explained Walter Martínez, director of Health Region IV.

What are some of the specific biases that can emerge in AI systems due to the availability heuristic?

Interview with Dr. elena Marquez, Renowned AI Ethicist and Pioneer in Responsible Technology Growth

By Archyde News

Bridging AI and Humanity: insights from Dr. Marquez on Ethical technology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone of modern innovation, reshaping industries and redefining societal norms. Yet, as its capabilities expand, so do the ethical dilemmas it presents. Dr. Marquez, a leading voice in AI ethics, recently shared his insights on the critical intersection of technology and humanity, offering a roadmap for responsible AI development.

From Computer Science to AI Ethics: A Journey of Purpose

Dr. Marquez’s journey into AI ethics began as a computer scientist. “I quickly realized that the rapid advancement of AI technologies was outpacing our ethical frameworks,” he explained. This revelation sparked a transition into AI ethics, where he now works to bridge the gap between technology and humanity. His focus areas include bias, privacy, and accountability—issues that are increasingly pressing as AI systems permeate every facet of life.

The Availability Heuristic: A Hidden Bias in AI Decision-Making

In his recent paper, “The Availability Heuristic in AI Decision-Making,” Dr. Marquez explores a concept that has profound implications for AI development.“The availability heuristic refers to the human tendency to rely on immediate examples or data that comes to mind when making decisions,” he explained. In AI systems, this can manifest as biases based on the data thay’re trained on. For instance, if an AI is trained on data that overrepresents certain demographics or scenarios, its decisions may be unfairly skewed.

This phenomenon is especially concerning in high-stakes applications like healthcare, criminal justice, and hiring. “if AI systems perpetuate or amplify biases, they can exacerbate societal inequalities,” Dr. Marquez warned. A hiring algorithm trained on data from a male-dominated industry, for example, might undervalue female applicants, perpetuating gender disparities. Similarly, biased healthcare data could lead to misdiagnoses or unequal treatment for certain populations.

Mitigating Risks: A Call for Diversity, Openness, and Regulation

To address these risks, Dr. Marquez emphasized three key steps. “First, we need diverse and representative datasets to train AI systems,” he stated.This requires collaboration across industries, governments, and communities. Second, transparency is crucial. Developers should openly communicate how their systems work and what data they’re using. robust regulatory frameworks are necessary to hold companies accountable for the societal impact of their technologies. “AI ethics should be integrated into the education and training of all technologists,” he added.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: building AI for Humanity

Dr. Marquez has been vocal about the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in AI development. “AI is not just a technical challenge; it’s a societal one,” he explained. To create technologies that truly benefit humanity, input from ethicists, sociologists, psychologists, policymakers, and the communities affected by these systems is essential. “Interdisciplinary collaboration ensures that we’re not just building powerful tools, but tools that align with human values and needs,” he concluded.

The Road Ahead: Ethical AI as a Collective Obligation

as AI continues to evolve, the conversation around its ethical implications must remain at the forefront. Dr. Marquez’s insights serve as a reminder that technology is not just about innovation—it’s about humanity. The path forward requires collective effort, diverse perspectives, and a commitment to building AI systems that are not only powerful but also just and equitable.

The Future of AI: Solving Global Challenges with Ethical Innovation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a transformative force shaping our world today. From addressing climate change to bridging gaps in healthcare and education, AI holds immense potential to tackle some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. But as dr. Marquez, a leading expert in the field, emphasizes, this potential can only be realized if we approach AI development with responsibility and humility.

“I’m excited by the potential for AI to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges—climate change, healthcare access, education inequities. But this potential can only be realized if we approach AI development with duty and humility. We must prioritize ethical considerations at every stage, ensuring that AI serves as a force for good in the world.”

— dr. marquez

Dr. Marquez’s insights highlight a critical truth: the power of AI lies not just in its technological capabilities but in how we choose to wield it. Ethical considerations must be at the forefront of AI innovation, ensuring that these advancements benefit society as a whole rather then exacerbating existing inequalities.

AI’s Role in Addressing Global Issues

One of the most exciting aspects of AI is its ability to address complex global issues.As a notable example, AI-driven models are being used to predict and mitigate the effects of climate change, offering solutions that were previously unimaginable. Similarly, in healthcare, AI is revolutionizing diagnostics and treatment plans, making quality care more accessible to underserved populations.

Education is another area where AI is making waves. By personalizing learning experiences and providing resources to students in remote areas,AI is helping to level the playing field and reduce educational disparities. Though, as Dr. Marquez points out, these advancements must be guided by a commitment to ethical practices.

The Importance of Ethical AI Development

Ethics in AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. As AI systems become more integrated into our daily lives,the decisions they make can have far-reaching consequences. From data privacy concerns to algorithmic bias, the ethical implications of AI are vast and complex.

Dr. Marquez’s call for humility in AI development is a reminder that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around. By prioritizing ethical considerations, we can ensure that AI remains a tool for positive change rather than a source of harm.

Looking Ahead: the Future of AI

The future of AI is brimming with possibilities, but it’s up to us to shape it responsibly. As Dr. Marquez aptly puts it, “AI serves as a force for good in the world.” This vision can only be realized through collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to ethical principles.

As we continue to explore the potential of AI, let’s remember that the true measure of success lies not in technological breakthroughs alone but in how these advancements improve lives and create a more equitable world.

Stay tuned for more insights on the latest developments in technology,ethics,and innovation. The journey of AI is just beginning, and its impact on our world will be shaped by the choices we make today.

What is the estimated timeframe for a potential restock of the QDenga vaccine in Pergamin?

Interview with Raquel Speranza, President of the Pergamin college of pharmacists

By Archyde News

archyde News: Good afternoon, Raquel. Thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the ongoing shortage of QDenga, the dengue vaccine, in Pergamin and the broader Buenos Aires region.let’s start with the current situation. Can you provide an overview of the vaccine’s availability and the challenges people are facing?

Raquel Speranza: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me.The situation with QDenga is indeed concerning. For over four months, Pergamin and the surrounding Buenos Aires area have faced a severe shortage of this vaccine, which is the only authorized dengue immunization. Pharmacies across the region report no stock,leaving many individuals—especially those needing a second dose—in a state of uncertainty.

The lack of availability has been compounded by the rising price of the vaccine, which has increased from 97,962 to 102,812 pesos per dose. Remember,two doses are required,so the financial burden is meaningful. While some prepaid healthcare plans and social works cover a portion of the cost, others offer no coverage at all, adding to the inequities in access.

Archyde News: What factors have contributed to this shortage?

Raquel Speranza: We believe the shortage stems from massive purchases by the provincial government and Buenos Aires City, which likely depleted Takeda Laboratory’s production. This has created a gap in supply, leaving pharmacies unable to restock. There are now rumors of a potential restock by the end of February, but this remains speculative at this point.

Archyde News: Turning to the public vaccination efforts, can you shed light on the program being administered at the “San José” hospital vaccination center?

Raquel Speranza: Since November, the “San José” hospital has been administering dengue vaccines to individuals aged 15 to 59 who previously contracted dengue in 2024 and were registered nationally. Recently, the registry expanded to include those who had dengue but weren’t previously recorded.

Official data shows that in Health Region IV, 42% of eligible individuals have already received both doses. Though, many neighbors remain excluded as private labs didn’t upload their diagnoses to the unified registry. Through Buenos Aires’ “My Health” portal, individuals who’ve had dengue can register and be added to the system.

Archyde News: What are the key considerations individuals should keep in mind before seeking vaccination?

Raquel Speranza: It’s essential to wait six months post-dengue infection before vaccination. Additionally, the vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, for immunocompromised individuals, or those undergoing chemotherapy or high-dose corticosteroid treatments.

Archyde News: Looking ahead, what steps can the community and healthcare system take to ensure better access and preparedness in the future?

Raquel Speranza: Firstly, openness and communication are vital. The public needs clear updates on vaccine availability and pricing. Secondly, we need to address the systemic gaps in data sharing between private labs and the unified registry to ensure all eligible individuals are included. Lastly, collaboration between the government, laboratories, and pharmacies is necessary to prevent shortages and ensure equitable access.

Archyde News: Thank you, Raquel, for your insightful viewpoint. We hope the community can navigate these challenges and that vaccine access improves soon.

Raquel Speranza: Thank you, Archyde News. I believe that with concerted efforts, we can overcome these hurdles and ensure that everyone in need of QDenga receives timely and accessible immunization.