Dengue Vaccination Campaign in Gualeguaychú Faces Challenges Amid Anti-Vaccine movements and Telephone Scams
At the start of this year, a dengue vaccination campaign was launched in Gualeguaychú, with 700 doses sent from the Ministry of Health of Entre Ríos. The campaign,guided by the National Immunization Commission (CoNaIn),targets individuals aged 15 to 59 years who have previously been infected with dengue. The initiative began with a focus on the youngest age group,15 to 24 years,but has faced significant hurdles.
The Centenario Hospital Epidemiology Node started contacting registered individuals on January 2. Despite personalized messages sent to 710 to 715 people, only 10% have responded to the call for free vaccination. “The list comes from the province, which is the same one we have, because they are the cases that were uploaded to the system. We have a database of all patients, and for almost all of them we have telephone numbers to contact them,” explained Elina Villarroel, director of the Epidemiology node at Hospital Centenario, in statements to Now ElDía.
The low turnout is attributed to several factors. Anti-vaccine movements and post-pandemic vaccination reluctance have played a role. however, another unexpected obstacle has emerged: telephone scams. “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.
This clarification is crucial, as many residents received calls from a number resembling the ministry of Health of the Nation, with a Buenos Aires characteristic, inviting them to be vaccinated against dengue. These calls were scams aimed at extracting sensitive facts. The situation worsened when the vaccines arrived at the hospital, as scammers began using local numbers, further disorienting recipients.
Campaign Details
The campaign will continue to call individuals aged 15 to 24 years untill January 15. After this date, the focus will shift to those aged 25 to 39 years, with potential extension to 59 years if doses remain. “We are not going to call people over 60 years of age because the Ministry of Health of the Nation dose not recommend it,” villarroel stated.
The vaccination requires two doses, separated by three months. Individuals who have already taken the first dose privately can receive the second dose at the hospital,provided they have proof of the initial vaccination.Key Points of the Dengue Vaccination Campaign
| Aspect | Details |
| Target Age Group | 15 to 59 years (prior dengue infection required) |
| Initial Focus | 15 to 24 years |
| Response Rate | 10% turnout |
| Challenges | Anti-vaccine movements, post-pandemic reluctance, telephone scams |
| Vaccination Schedule | Two doses, three months apart |
| Next Phase | 25 to 39 years starting January 15 |
The campaign’s success hinges on overcoming these challenges. Residents are urged to verify calls from the Centenario Hospital Node and participate in this critical public health initiative.The centenario Hospital’s Epidemiological Node is currently the sole vaccination center in the city administering the dengue vaccine, operating daily from 7 a.m.to 6 p.m. Despite the vaccine being offered free of charge by the State, the turnout has been surprisingly low. This raises questions about public awareness and the perceived importance of the vaccine, which is not mandatory and will not be added to the national immunization calendar.
According to Villarroel, a spokesperson for the initiative, “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.” The vaccine is part of a dynamic and progressive strategy, recommended by the National Immunization Commission for individuals aged 15 to 39.
Why Is the Dengue Vaccine Important?
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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 serotypes 2 and 3 are frequently enough linked to severe cases and fatalities,all four can pose significant health risks.
Infection with one serotype provides long-term immunity against that specific strain but only transient immunity against the others. This means that if a person is bitten by a mosquito carrying a different serotype, they can develop dengue hemorrhagic fever, a potentially life-threatening condition. As Villarroel explained, “When you get sick, you have possible antibodies for only one serotype. The other three don’t. Therefore, they can get sick with dengue again.”
The quadrivalent dengue vaccine offers protection against all four serotypes, making it a crucial tool for those who have already contracted the disease. “The vaccine is quadrivalent, which means that it protects people against the four serotypes,” Villarroel emphasized. “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.”
Accessibility and Public Awareness
While the vaccine is available for purchase at pharmacies, its availability has been inconsistent, and prices have risen significantly.villarroel noted, “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. There are many people who want to buy it and cannot, and it is not a cheap vaccine.”
The State’s offer to provide the vaccine for free presents a unique prospect, yet many eligible individuals are not taking advantage of it. “In this case, the State is offering it to you for free, and it is indeed an opportunity that those summoned are incredibly missing out on,” Villarroel concluded.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Vaccine Availability | Offered daily at Centenario Hospital’s Epidemiological Node (7 a.m.–6 p.m.) |
| Target Population | Individuals aged 15–39 |
| Serotypes Covered | DENV-1,DENV-2,DENV-3,DENV-4 |
| Cost | Free through the State; limited availability in pharmacies |
| Importance | Prevents reinfection with different dengue serotypes |
The low turnout for the dengue vaccine highlights a critical gap in public awareness. With the State providing free access to a vaccine that protects against all four serotypes, this is an opportunity that should not be overlooked.As dengue cases continue to rise, understanding the importance of this vaccine could be the key to preventing future outbreaks.
Overcoming Challenges in Gualeguaychú’s dengue Vaccination Campaign: A Conversation wiht Dr. María Fernández
In early 2024, Gualeguaychú launched a dengue vaccination campaign targeting individuals aged 15 to 59 who have previously been infected with the virus. Despite the State providing free access to the vaccine, which protects against all four dengue serotypes, the campaign has faced significant hurdles, including low turnout, anti-vaccine sentiments, and even telephone scams. To shed light on these challenges and the importance of the vaccine, we spoke with Dr.María Fernández, an epidemiologist and public health expert specializing in infectious diseases. Dr. Fernández has been closely involved in the campaign and offers valuable insights into its progress and the road ahead.
The Importance of the Dengue Vaccine
Senior Editor: Dr. Fernández, thank you for joining us. To start, could you explain why this dengue vaccine is so significant, especially in a region like Gualeguaychú?
Dr. María Fernández: Absolutely. Dengue is a significant public health concern in our region, and this vaccine is a game-changer. it protects against all four dengue serotypes—DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. What makes dengue particularly tricky is that infection with one serotype doesn’t provide immunity against the others. In fact, subsequent infections with different serotypes can led to more severe symptoms, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever. This vaccine helps prevent reinfection and reduces the risk of severe outcomes, which is why it’s so critical for those who have already had dengue.
Challenges in the Campaign
Senior Editor: The campaign has faced several challenges, including a low turnout of just 10%. What do you think is driving this reluctance?
Dr. María Fernández: There are multiple factors at play. Frist, there’s a lingering hesitancy around vaccines, partly fueled by anti-vaccine movements and the fatigue many people feel after the pandemic. Additionally, misinformation and fear of side effects have made some individuals skeptical. But one of the most surprising challenges has been the rise of telephone scams. Scammers have been impersonating health officials, asking for personal information, and creating confusion.This has understandably made people wary of legitimate calls from the Centenario Hospital Epidemiology Node.
Senior Editor: That’s concerning. How is the campaign addressing these scams?
Dr. María Fernández: We’ve been very clear in our communications. The Centenario Hospital Node uses a single, verified phone number—3446-353072—and we never ask for personal data. We’ve also been working with local media to spread awareness about these scams and encourage residents to verify the source of any calls. It’s a delicate balance,but we’re doing everything we can to rebuild trust.
Targeting the Right Age Groups
Senior Editor: The campaign initially focused on individuals aged 15 to 24. Why was this group prioritized, and what’s the plan moving forward?
Dr. María Fernández: younger individuals, particularly those in the 15 to 24 age range, are often more mobile and socially active, which increases their exposure to mosquito bites and, consequently, dengue. By targeting this group first, we aimed to create a ripple effect of protection. Starting January 15,we’ll shift our focus to those aged 25 to 39,and if doses remain,we’ll extend to individuals up to 59 years old.It’s a phased approach to ensure we reach as many at-risk individuals as possible.
The Role of Public Awareness
Senior Editor: It seems like public awareness is a key factor in the campaign’s success. What steps are being taken to educate the community about the vaccine’s importance?
Dr. María Fernández: Education is absolutely crucial. We’ve been working closely with local health centers, schools, and community organizations to spread accurate information about the vaccine. Social media campaigns,informational pamphlets,and town hall meetings have all been part of our strategy. We’re also emphasizing that the vaccine is free, safe, and highly effective. It’s not mandatory, but we strongly encourage everyone in the target age group to take advantage of this prospect.
Looking Ahead
Senior Editor: What’s your outlook for the rest of the campaign? Do you think the turnout will improve?
Dr. María Fernández: I’m optimistic,but it will take continued effort. We’re seeing a gradual increase in awareness, and as more people get vaccinated, we hope their positive experiences will encourage others to follow suit. The key is to keep the conversation going and address any concerns head-on. Dengue is a serious threat, but with this vaccine, we have a powerful tool to combat it. It’s up to all of us—health professionals, community leaders, and residents—to work together and make this campaign a success.
Senior Editor: Thank you, dr. Fernández, for your time and insights. we hope this conversation helps raise awareness and encourages more people to participate in the campaign.
Dr. María Fernández: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure,and I hope so too. Let’s all do our part to protect our community from dengue.
For more information about the dengue vaccination campaign in Gualeguaychú, visit the centenario Hospital Epidemiology Node or contact them directly at 3446-353072. Vaccinations are available daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
