Acceptance of a dengue vaccine and potential change in vector control behavior

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the attitudes toward dengue vaccine acceptance for adults and children and expected changes in vector control behaviors post-vaccination in three Brazilian cities.

Methods

From March to June 2022, a telephone survey asked respondents about their knowledge and attitudes toward vaccination, dengue and vector control, acceptance of a hypothetical dengue vaccine, and anticipated changes in current vector control practices post-vaccination. The risk and protective factors associated with vaccine acceptance and post-vaccination behavior changes were analyzed using rake-weighted logistic regressions.

Results

Most participants were knowledgeable about dengue symptoms (72%), engaged in at least one vector control behavior (92%), and willing to vaccinate themselves and their children (87%). Strong disagreement with the statement that vaccines are effective indicated lower odds of accepting a hypothetical dengue vaccine (odds ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval: 0.12-0.61), compared with strong agreement. Although most respondents reported that they would not stop or reduce any dengue prevention methods (87-88%), those who trusted in the medical advice of doctors/nurses (odds ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-7.64) have higher odds of reducing at least one vector control behavior.

Conclusions

Possible changes in vector control behavior after dengue vaccination suggest that routine vector control sensitization and information sharing by medical providers, media communication, and during vaccination campaign events are needed.