At the end of October, the Bolívar Health Secretariat reported that free dengue vaccination was aimed at children aged nine or attending fourth grade in Turbaco and El Carmen de Bolívar.
In that report, the agency recorded 699 doses available in Turbaco and asked parents and caregivers to check eligibility and availability with vaccination providers.
Turbaco was chosen to launch the plan
Turbaco was the first municipality in Bolívar selected to implement the national dengue vaccination strategy. The departmental Health Secretariat announced its launch in February 2026.
During that first stage, 1,504 doses were announced for the priority group. The schedule included two doses three months apart, administered by health staff from the public hospital and authorized providers.
According to information released by the authorities, the municipalities were selected using criteria including historical case rates, transmission risk and population vulnerability.
Removing breeding sites remains essential
Vaccination complements measures to control the mosquito that transmits the disease. The Health Secretariat recommended washing and scrubbing tanks and washbasins at least once a week and keeping water storage containers covered.
It also asked residents to remove standing water from objects such as tires, bottles and plant pots. Departmental Health Secretary Willis Simancas said fumigation alone does not eliminate eggs or larvae.
For fever, headache or muscle pain, the authorities advised seeking medical care. Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or bleeding require immediate medical attention.
In its report through September, the Secretariat said the dengue fatality rate in Bolívar fell from 0.13% in 2025 to 0.09% in 2026, a 30.8% reduction.
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