Paraguay’s Ministry of Health plans to expand the dengue vaccination. So far, the eligibility has been restricted to children aged 6 to 8 in 16 districts across the country, based on the availability of doses. Since November 2025, 860 doses have been administered out of the more than 70,000 available.
Luis Cousirat, Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation, explained that technical and operational details are currently being finalised. The goal is to make the vaccines available to other population groups within a short period. The aim is to move beyond the initial target group of boys and girls aged 6 to 8.
He indicated that the new eligible age group would be defined within the first quarter of this year. However, he clarified that administration would remain limited to the 16 priority districts. Those reported the highest levels of disease transmission. These locations include the capital, nine districts in the Central Department, three in the Paraguarí Department, and three in the Itapúa Department.
Broadening the dengue vaccination target population
Cousirat noted that the first target group was defined based on hospitalisation rates for severe dengue observed in children aged 6 to 8. He mentioned that the expansion to a second target group would likely include those aged 15 to 39, who also show high levels of susceptibility to the disease.
“We believe that by expanding the age group, vaccination will become a family activity; many people want to be vaccinated but are not currently part of the target population. That is why we are working to make the vaccine available to a larger number of people shortly,” Cousirat says in an interview with state media.
Current progress and supply
Since the dengue vaccination campaign began in November:
- 860 doses have been administered to children aged 6 to 8.
- A booster dose is required three months after the first application.
- 70,200 doses arrived in the country, enough to fully vaccinate 35,100 people with the two-dose course.
The possibility of expanding the age group is due to increased regional availability, particularly as Brazil has announced its own doses for domestic use. “This allows us to consider expanding the age range in these 16 municipalities with the highest transmission intensity,” he indicates.
Safety and prevention
The vaccine used in Paraguay, produced by the Japanese laboratory Takeda, protects against all four dengue serotypes. Cousirat highlighted its high safety profile, noting that no adverse effects have been reported. He stressed that while the vaccine is a vital tool, it does not replace mosquito control. However, it has proven effective in preventing severe cases, hospitalisations, and dengue fever.
Paraguay is currently in an epidemic period with serotypes 1, 2, and 3 circulating. Serotype 3 is currently causing the highest level of susceptibility in the population. Information for citizens: those interested to get the dengue vaccination can look for availability in their area. People can call the helpline on 138 or visit www.vacunate.gov.py.
Read The Asuncion Times’ Dengue Fever Prevention Guide For Paraguay Residents And Visitors.
