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.