Barranquilla will host a mass vaccination drive this Saturday, November 7, with a focus on dengue prevention for children aged 9 and 10. The initiative, led by the city’s health secretariat and MiRed IPS, will deploy over 60 vaccination points and offer free Dengue vaccine Qdenga alongside other routine immunizations.
In a significant public health effort, Barranquilla’s municipal government is intensifying its fight against mosquito-borne diseases and reinforcing its immunization coverage. The upcoming Saturday, November 7, will see a citywide vaccination drive aimed squarely at reducing the incidence of dengue, a disease that poses a particular risk in tropical regions. This comprehensive campaign is designed to be an opportunity for residents to receive essential, often free, vaccinations in a single visit.
What the Dengue Vaccine Qdenga Does and Who Gets It Free
The centerpiece of this public health initiative is the application of the Qdenga (TAK-003) dengue vaccine. This vaccine is specifically being offered free of charge to children born on or after January 1, 2016, who are therefore currently 9 or 10 years old. This two-dose regimen, with a three-month interval between the first and second shot, can significantly reduce the risk of severe dengue and hospitalization.
La Secretaría de Salud de Barranquilla intensificó las acciones para combatir el dengue y controlar la proliferación del mosquito Aedes aegypti, transmisor de esta enfermedad. La secretaria de Salud del Distrito, Stephanie Araujo, aseguró en entrevista con Emisora Atlántico que… pic.twitter.com/rmJoa5qukX
The administration's goal is clear: to mitigate the incidence of severe dengue, hospitalizations, and complications caused by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for the disease.
Reducing Severe Dengue Risk with Vaccine
- The Dengue Vaccine (Qdenga): A two-shot vaccine that can significantly reduce the risk of severe dengue and hospitalization.
- Who’s Eligible for the Free Shot: Children aged 9 and 10 (born after Jan 1, 2016). Others can pay for it from age 4.
- Why This Age Group? Health authorities are targeting this specific cohort based on epidemiological criteria.
What Other Vaccines Are Available During the Barranquilla Drive
Beyond the dengue vaccine, the Barranquilla vaccination drive offers a comprehensive suite of immunizations under the Expanded Program on Immunizations (PAI). This multi-faceted approach ensures that various vulnerable populations can address their specific health needs in one location. The full range of available vaccines includes:
- For children under 6: A chance to complete their basic immunization schedules.
- For pregnant women: The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, administered between the 28th and 36th weeks of gestation.
- For women aged 10 to 49: The Tdap vaccine.
- For youth aged 9 to 17: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- For adults over 60: The influenza vaccine.
- For the susceptible population: Vaccinations against Yellow Fever and COVID-19.
How Barranquilla’s Campaign Compares to Global Dengue Prevention Efforts
| Vaccine | Primary Target Group | Dosing Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Qdenga (Dengue) | Children 9-10 (Free); 4+ (Private) | 2 doses, 3 months apart |
| RSV | Pregnant women (28-36 weeks gestation) | 1 dose per pregnancy |
| Tdap | Women 10-49 years | 1 dose |
| HPV | Children & adolescents 9-17 years | 2 or 3 doses |
| Influenza | Adults 60+ years | 1 annual dose |
Urging Citizens to Vaccinate Children
Public health officials are urging citizens to take advantage of this opportunity. “Vacunar a nuestros niños es brindarles las defensas necesarias para proteger su vida y asegurar su bienestar. No desaprovechemos esta oportunidad e insto a todos a acudir a los centros habilitados,” stated Stephanie Araujo Blanco, the District Secretary of Health. “Desde la Alcaldía de Barranquilla hacemos un llamado a la corresponsabilidad de los padres de familia y cuidadores. "Vacunar a nuestros niños es brindarles las defensas necesarias para proteger su vida y asegurar su bienestar." The logistical framework is strong, with over 60 vaccination points distributed across the city to ensure accessibility. These points are divided into two types: public health centers (PASO and CAMINO) of the MiRed IPS network, and participating private health service providers (IPS).”
How to Find a Vaccination Point and What to Expect
For residents of Barranquilla, the practical details are straightforward. The vaccination drive will operate on Saturday, November 7, with clear time slots for each type of facility. To find the nearest vaccination location or to clarify any questions about the specific vaccines available, the city has established a dedicated Health Line: (605) 3793333. This service can provide real-time information on point locations, help confirm eligibility, and offer guidance on the necessary documentation, such as identification and vaccination cards, to bring to the appointment.
Seguimos llevando la prevención del dengue casa a casa, en todas las localidades de Barranquilla. A través de visitas, sensibilización a las familias y eliminación de criaderos, fortalecemos las acciones para proteger la salud de los barranquilleros. pic.twitter.com/pYtBmzdlnB
References
- Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social & Instituto Nacional de Salud. (2026). Lineamientos para la introducción escalonada de la vacuna Qdenga (TAK-003). [Official guidelines cited in Zona Cero and other reports].
- World Health Organization. (2023). Dengue and severe dengue: Fact Sheet. [Clinical overview and data on dengue burden].
- Whitehead, S. S., et al. (2022). Efficacy and safety of the tetravalent dengue vaccine (TAK-003) in a dengue-endemic population: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 22(5), e131-e140. [Source for efficacy data].
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