Dengue Fever Vaccination

Introduction

Spread by mosquitoes, dengue fever affects millions globally. It is caused by the dengue virus, transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito. Although there is no specific treatment for this viral infection, vaccination offers one of the best strategies for reducing its impact. This article covers the key details of dengue fever vaccination, its benefits, and why it is essential for individuals living in or travelling to dengue-endemic areas.

Understanding Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is caused by four related viruses, all transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. Symptoms often begin with a sudden high fever, followed by severe muscle and joint pain, headaches, and rashes. In more serious cases, dengue can develop into severe dengue, a life-threatening condition that can lead to internal bleeding, shock, and even death. With no antiviral treatment available, early diagnosis and prevention are crucial. This makes vaccination a highly valuable preventive measure, particularly for those living in or travelling to affected regions.

The Importance of Vaccination

Vaccination is an effective method for preventing dengue fever. It works by stimulating the immune system to protect against future infections. By getting vaccinated, you reduce your risk of contracting the disease, and help prevent further transmission within your community. Widespread vaccination also lessens the strain on healthcare systems in regions where dengue is prevalent. This collective effort to vaccinate helps safeguard not only individuals, but also vulnerable populations who are at higher risk of severe dengue, such as children and the elderly.

Dengue Fever Vaccination

Qdenga is the first approved dengue vaccine available in the UK. It is effective regardless of previous exposure to the virus. Early protection begins after the first dose, with around 81.1% efficacy against all dengue virus types. For long-term protection, two doses are required, given three months apart. Dengue has become increasingly prevalent over the last 30 years, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Even short-term visitors to these regions are at risk of contracting dengue, making vaccination a vital precaution for travellers.

For those who have already had dengue, it is recommended to wait about six months after the confirmed diagnosis before starting the Qdenga vaccination series. This precaution helps ensure the vaccine is administered when the immune system is fully recovered, maximising its effectiveness.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Dengue vaccination is strongly advised for individuals who live in or plan to travel to areas where dengue is common. These regions typically include tropical and subtropical climates, such as Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and parts of the Caribbean. Even short-term travellers to these areas should consider vaccination, as the risk of exposure to the virus can be high due to mosquito activity.

You can find up-to-date information on areas where dengue poses a risk using resources such as the CDC’s dengue map or the HealthMap Dengue Tracker.

The Benefits of Dengue Vaccination

. Protection: Vaccination significantly lowers the risk of contracting dengue fever, including its more severe forms that can lead to hospitalisation.

. Public Health: Widespread vaccination helps to reduce transmission within communities, protecting vulnerable populations like infants and the elderly.

. Travel Safety: For travellers heading to dengue-prone areas, vaccination provides an added layer of protection, offering peace of mind while abroad.

Vaccination Information

The dengue vaccine involves two doses, administered three months apart. While a single dose offers some protection, particularly against DENV-2, the second dose is essential for broader and longer-lasting protection. The vaccine is live and attenuated, meaning it uses a weakened form of the virus to trigger an immune response. Due to this, the vaccine is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with compromised immune systems. If there are any concerns about suitability, a healthcare provider should be consulted.

The duration of protection from the vaccine is not yet fully known, but it is expected to last at least five years following the two-dose regimen. Whether a booster dose will be required is still being studied.

Summary

As dengue fever continues to pose a significant health threat in many parts of the world, vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for prevention. By choosing to get vaccinated, you reduce your risk of contracting the disease and contribute to wider efforts to decrease its spread. With proactive vaccination measures, individuals and communities can better protect themselves from dengue fever.