Brazil has approved the world’s first single-dose dengue vaccine, a development the country’s authorities described as a historic achievement. The authorization, granted on Wednesday (26 November), allows the use of the vaccine “Butantan-DV,” developed by the Butantan Institute in São Paulo, for individuals aged 12 to 59.
Until now, the only approved dengue vaccine globally has been TAK-003, which requires two doses taken three months apart, according to the World Health Organization. The newly approved single-dose alternative is expected to significantly ease immunization programs by allowing faster and more streamlined vaccination campaigns.
The Butantan Institute developed the vaccine after eight years of research and trials. Speaking at a press briefing, institute director Esper Kallás called the approval a landmark for Brazil’s science and health sectors. He noted that dengue has burdened the country for decades and that the new vaccine represents a powerful tool for combating the disease.
More than 16,000 volunteers participated in clinical trials, where the vaccine demonstrated an efficacy rate of 91.6 percent against severe dengue infection. Health experts believe this breakthrough could support global efforts to control the disease at a time when climate change is worsening mosquito-borne illness transmission.
Rising temperatures linked to climate change have accelerated the spread of Aedes mosquitoes, the carriers of dengue, into new regions including parts of Europe and the United States. Dengue infection typically causes intense flu-like symptoms, extreme fatigue and body pain, earning it the nickname “breakbone fever.” In severe cases, the disease can progress to hemorrhagic fever and may be fatal.
The World Health Organization reports that more than 14.6 million people worldwide were infected with dengue in 2024, with nearly 12,000 deaths—the highest annual figures ever recorded. Half of those deaths occurred in Brazil, underscoring the country’s urgent need for effective preventive measures.
