The Covid-19 pandemic,wich swept the globe less than five years ago,has left an indelible mark on society. From reshaping social norms to altering perceptions of health and safety, its effects are still felt today. Among the most significant shifts has been the public’s relationship with vaccines—a tool once hailed as a cornerstone of modern medicine but now increasingly scrutinized, particularly due to the rise of anti-vaccine movements.In this climate, the city of Gualeguaychú in Argentina has launched a groundbreaking vaccination campaign against dengue, a disease that has long plagued tropical and subtropical regions. However, the initiative has encountered unexpected challenges, from low turnout to fears of telephone scams.
A New Chapter in Dengue Prevention
Table of Contents
- A New Chapter in Dengue Prevention
- the Shadow of Scams
- Campaign Mechanics and Future Plans
- A broader Context
- Key Takeaways
- A Call to Action
- Why Is the Dengue Vaccine Important?
- The Challenge of Low Turnout
- Key takeaways About the Dengue Vaccine
- A Call to Action
- A New Chapter in Dengue Prevention
- The Shadow of Scams
- Campaign Mechanics and Future Plans
- A Broader Context
- Key Takeaways
- A call to Action
- Why Is the Dengue Vaccine Critically important?
The campaign, spearheaded by the Epidemiology node of the Centenario Hospital, began on January 2, 2025, with a focus on vaccinating individuals aged 15 to 59 who have previously contracted dengue. This strategy aligns with recommendations from the National Immunization Commission (CoNaIn), which advises starting with younger age groups to maximize impact. The hospital received 700 doses from the Entre Ríos Ministry of Health, but the response has been underwhelming.
“In this first instance, from 15 to 24 years old, we have called between 710 and 715 people.So far, only 10% have come forward,” revealed Elina Villarroel, director of the Epidemiology node at Hospital centenario, in an interview with Now ElDía. She attributed the low turnout to a combination of factors, including lingering vaccine hesitancy post-pandemic and concerns about fraudulent calls.
the Shadow of Scams
One of the most surprising obstacles has been the rise of telephone scams targeting residents.Even before the vaccines arrived in Gualeguaychú, many residents received calls from numbers mimicking official health authorities, including the Ministry of Health of the Nation. These scammers, often using local area codes, attempted to extract sensitive information under the guise of scheduling vaccinations.
“The Epidemiological node summons everyone in a personalized way, with a message and from a single telephone number, which is 3446-353072, the one belonging to the Centenario Hospital Node, with the logo, precisely, of the institution. And we do not ask for any data, absolutely nothing,” Villarroel clarified.
Campaign Mechanics and Future Plans
The vaccination strategy is meticulously planned.The first phase, targeting individuals aged 15 to 24, will run until January 15. After that, the focus will shift to those between 25 and 39, with the possibility of extending the campaign to those up to 59 years old if doses remain. Notably, individuals over 60 are excluded from the campaign due to recommendations from the National Ministry of Health.
The vaccine requires two doses, administered three months apart. For those who have already received the first dose privately, the hospital offers a solution. “If for some reason someone had taken the first dose, because they bought it and now they cannot get the second, they can also come forward because we have the mechanisms to corroborate that and with a medical indication or proof of the first dose, we give them the second dose,” Villarroel explained.
A broader Context
This campaign is part of a larger effort to combat dengue, a disease caused by four distinct but closely related viruses. According to the CDC, individuals who have not previously contracted dengue may face an increased risk of severe infection if vaccinated, underscoring the importance of targeting those with prior exposure.
Key Takeaways
To summarize the campaign’s key details:
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Target Age Group | 15–59 years (starting with 15–24) |
| Vaccine Doses | Two doses,three months apart |
| Eligibility | Must have prior dengue infection |
| Campaign Duration | Phase 1: January 2–15 (15–24 years); Phase 2: january 15 onward (25–39 years) |
| Official Contact Number | 3446-353072 (Centenario Hospital node) |
A Call to Action
As the campaign progresses,health officials urge residents to remain vigilant against scams and to take advantage of this free,life-saving opportunity. For more information on dengue vaccine eligibility, visit the CDC’s guidelines or consult local health authorities.
The story of Gualeguaychú’s dengue vaccination campaign is a testament to the complexities of public health in a post-pandemic world. It highlights not only the challenges of combating vaccine hesitancy but also the innovative strategies needed to protect communities from preventable diseases.The Centenario Hospital is currently the only vaccination center in the city offering the dengue vaccine, available daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Despite being free of charge, the turnout has been surprisingly low.This raises questions about public awareness and the perceived importance of the vaccine.
“This is not a vaccine that is going to be incorporated into the national calendar, which is why it is also not a mandatory vaccine, but rather one that we offer, and it is done on demand, that is, we apply it only to those who request it,” explained Villarroel, a representative from the hospital. The vaccine is part of a dynamic strategy recommended by the National Immunization Commission, targeting individuals aged 15 to 39.
Why Is the Dengue Vaccine Important?
Dengue is caused by four distinct serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Each serotype has unique antigenic characteristics, meaning the immune system responds differently to each. While infection with one serotype provides long-term immunity against that specific strain, it only offers temporary protection against the others.
This is were the vaccine becomes crucial. “When you get sick, you develop antibodies for only one serotype. The other three don’t.Therefore,you can get sick with dengue again,” Villarroel emphasized. The vaccine is quadrivalent, meaning it protects against all four serotypes, reducing the risk of reinfection and severe complications like dengue hemorrhagic fever.
The Challenge of Low Turnout
Despite its benefits, the vaccine’s availability has not translated into high demand. “This vaccine can be purchased at any pharmacy, where it started with a price and as it was publicized it increased, but the truth is that today it is not available,” Villarroel noted. The cost and limited availability in pharmacies make the free offering by the State a significant opportunity.
Though, many eligible individuals are not taking advantage of this. “There are many people who want to buy it and cannot, and it is indeed not a cheap vaccine. In this case, the State is offering it to you for free, and it is an opportunity that those summoned are incredibly missing out on,” he added.
Key takeaways About the Dengue Vaccine
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Target Age Group | 15 to 39 years old |
| Serotypes Covered | DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4 |
| Availability | Free at Centenario Hospital, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Cost in Pharmacies | Expensive and currently unavailable |
| Immunity | Quadrivalent vaccine protects against all four serotypes |
A Call to Action
The dengue vaccine is a powerful tool in combating a disease that can strike multiple times. With the State offering it for free, now is the time to act.If you fall within the target age group or have previously contracted dengue, consider visiting the Centenario Hospital to get vaccinated.
As Villarroel aptly put it, “Perhaps people are not aware of this issue, that the vaccine is for the four serotypes and that it is indeed a disease that you can catch again.” Don’t miss this opportunity to protect yourself and your community.
Gualeguaychú’s Groundbreaking Dengue Vaccination Campaign Faces Challenges Amid Post-Pandemic Vaccine Hesitancy
The Covid-19 pandemic, which reshaped global health norms and intensified debates around vaccines, continues to influence public health initiatives worldwide. In Gualeguaychú, Argentina, a city known for its vibrant culture and subtropical climate, a pioneering dengue vaccination campaign has encountered unexpected hurdles. Launched in January 2025, the initiative aims to protect residents aged 15 to 59 who have previously contracted dengue, a mosquito-borne disease that has long plagued the region. However, low turnout and fears of telephone scams have complicated efforts, highlighting the lingering effects of vaccine hesitancy and the challenges of rebuilding public trust in immunization programs.
A New Chapter in Dengue Prevention
The campaign, led by the Epidemiology Node of the Centenario Hospital, began with a targeted approach, focusing first on individuals aged 15 to 24. This strategy aligns with recommendations from Argentina’s National Immunization Commission (CoNaIn), which emphasizes prioritizing younger age groups to maximize the vaccine’s impact. Despite receiving 700 doses from the Entre Ríos Ministry of health, the response has been underwhelming.
Elina Villarroel,Director of the Epidemiology Node at Centenario Hospital,shared her concerns in an interview with Now ElDía. “In this first phase, we’ve contacted between 710 and 715 people aged 15 to 24, but only about 10% have come forward,” she revealed. Villarroel attributed the low turnout to a mix of lingering vaccine hesitancy post-pandemic and fears of fraudulent activity, which have cast a shadow over the campaign.
The Shadow of Scams
One of the most surprising obstacles has been the rise of telephone scams targeting residents. Even before the vaccines arrived in Gualeguaychú,many residents reported receiving calls from numbers mimicking official health authorities,including the Ministry of Health of the Nation. These scammers, often using local area codes, attempted to extract sensitive data under the guise of scheduling vaccinations.
Villarroel emphasized the importance of vigilance. “The Epidemiological Node contacts individuals in a personalized way, using a single official number: 3446-353072, which belongs to the Centenario Hospital Node. We do not ask for any personal data,” she clarified. Despite these assurances, the prevalence of scams has left many residents wary, further complicating the campaign’s outreach efforts.
Campaign Mechanics and Future Plans
The vaccination strategy is meticulously planned, with the first phase targeting individuals aged 15 to 24 running until january 15. After that, the focus will shift to those between 25 and 39, with the possibility of extending the campaign to those up to 59 years old if doses remain. Notably, individuals over 60 are excluded from the campaign due to recommendations from the National Ministry of Health.
The vaccine requires two doses, administered three months apart. For those who have already received the first dose privately, the hospital offers a solution. “If someone has taken the first dose privately and cannot access the second, they can come to us with proof of the first dose, and we will provide the second dose,” Villarroel explained.
A Broader Context
This campaign is part of a larger effort to combat dengue, a disease caused by four distinct but closely related viruses. According to the CDC, individuals who have not previously contracted dengue may face an increased risk of severe infection if vaccinated, underscoring the importance of targeting those with prior exposure.
Key Takeaways
To summarize the campaign’s key details:
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Target Age Group | 15–59 years (starting with 15–24) |
| Vaccine Doses | Two doses, three months apart |
| Eligibility | Must have prior dengue infection |
| Campaign Duration | Phase 1: january 2–15 (15–24 years); Phase 2: January 15 onward (25–39 years) |
| Official Contact Number | 3446-353072 (Centenario Hospital node) |
A call to Action
As the campaign progresses, health officials urge residents to remain vigilant against scams and to take advantage of this free, life-saving possibility. For more information on dengue vaccine eligibility, visit the CDC’s guidelines or consult local health authorities.
The story of Gualeguaychú’s dengue vaccination campaign is a testament to the complexities of public health in a post-pandemic world. It highlights not only the challenges of combating vaccine hesitancy but also the innovative strategies needed to protect communities from preventable diseases.
Why Is the Dengue Vaccine Critically important?
Dengue is a significant public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, causing severe flu-like symptoms and, in certain specific cases, life-threatening complications. The vaccine offers a critical tool in preventing outbreaks and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. However, its success hinges on public trust and participation—a challenge that Gualeguaychú is steadfast to overcome.
As Villarroel noted, “This is not a mandatory vaccine, but one we offer to those who need it. It’s about protecting our community and ensuring that preventable diseases don’t take hold.” With continued efforts to educate and engage residents, Gualeguaychú’s campaign could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges.
