Dengue Fever Vaccine
Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
What vaccines do I need?
Travelling abroad but unsure on which vaccines you may need? Our highly qualified travel healthcare team are specialists in their field, providing excellent advice and recommendations for every destination.
Read moreFind your nearest CityDoc
With over 150 clinics nationwide, there is a CityDoc clinic to suit all of your travel needs
Find a clinicDengue Fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection that poses a significant health risk in many tropical and subtropical regions. This day-time feeding mosquito; favours urban areas and areas of open water e.g. items filled with rainwater; water in ponds, ditches.
Travellers to regions where dengue is prevalent should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, as the Aedes mosquitoes transmit the virus. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in accommodations with screened windows and doors. If you are planning to travel to an area with a risk of dengue, it's advisable to consult with our healthcare professionals for personalised advice on prevention measures and vaccinations.
-
Registered Travel Clinics
Including Yellow Fever Centres -
Private clinics with qualified specialists
Walk-in appointments and online bookings are available -
Anti-Malarials
Dispensed on-site in clinic -
Full range of Vaccines in Stock
Including Yellow Fever, Typhoid, DTP -
Same Day appointments
For last minute travellers -
CQC registered
Registered and regulated by the Care Quality Commission
Transmission
Dengue fever is primarily transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes become infected with the dengue virus when they feed on the blood of a person already infected with the virus. The virus then multiplies within the mosquito and can be transmitted to other individuals through mosquito bites. Importantly, dengue fever is not spread from person to person directly.
Symptoms
The incubation period for dengue fever typically ranges from 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The severity of the symptoms can vary, and there are several forms of dengue infection:
- Mild Dengue Fever: Many individuals infected with the dengue virus may experience mild symptoms or be entirely asymptomatic. Common mild symptoms include fever, mild headache, and joint or muscle pain. This form of the disease is often referred to as dengue fever.
- Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever): In some cases, the disease can progress to severe dengue, which is characterized by more severe symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and a rash. Severe dengue can lead to life-threatening complications such as severe bleeding, organ failure, and shock.
Prompt medical attention is essential, as untreated severe dengue can be fatal. However, with proper medical care, the death rate can be reduced to less than 1%.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Management of the disease primarily involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms. Here are some key aspects of treatment:
- Fluid Replacement: Adequate hydration is crucial. Patients with dengue fever are at risk of dehydration due to fever and vomiting. Rehydration through oral or intravenous fluids is essential.
- Pain and Fever Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) can help reduce fever and relieve pain. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Medical Monitoring: If you suspect you have dengue fever, it’s important to seek medical attention. Doctors can monitor your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
Prevention
Preventing dengue fever primarily involves mosquito control and personal protective measures. Here are some prevention strategies:
- Mosquito Control: Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water in containers like flower pots, buckets, and tires. Use insecticides and mosquito nets in areas where Aedes mosquitoes are prevalent.
- Personal Protection: Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing and using mosquito repellents. Stay in air-conditioned or screened-in accommodations when possible.
- Travel Precautions: If you’re traveling to areas where dengue is endemic, take extra precautions. Stay informed about local outbreaks and follow public health recommendations.
Transmission
Dengue fever is primarily transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes become infected with the dengue virus when they feed on the blood of a person already infected with the virus. The virus then multiplies within the mosquito and can be transmitted to other individuals through mosquito bites. Importantly, dengue fever is not spread from person to person directly.
Symptoms
The incubation period for dengue fever typically ranges from 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The severity of the symptoms can vary, and there are several forms of dengue infection:
- Mild Dengue Fever: Many individuals infected with the dengue virus may experience mild symptoms or be entirely asymptomatic. Common mild symptoms include fever, mild headache, and joint or muscle pain. This form of the disease is often referred to as dengue fever.
- Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever): In some cases, the disease can progress to severe dengue, which is characterized by more severe symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and a rash. Severe dengue can lead to life-threatening complications such as severe bleeding, organ failure, and shock.
Prompt medical attention is essential, as untreated severe dengue can be fatal. However, with proper medical care, the death rate can be reduced to less than 1%.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Management of the disease primarily involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms. Here are some key aspects of treatment:
- Fluid Replacement: Adequate hydration is crucial. Patients with dengue fever are at risk of dehydration due to fever and vomiting. Rehydration through oral or intravenous fluids is essential.
- Pain and Fever Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) can help reduce fever and relieve pain. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Medical Monitoring: If you suspect you have dengue fever, it’s important to seek medical attention. Doctors can monitor your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
Prevention
Preventing dengue fever primarily involves mosquito control and personal protective measures. Here are some prevention strategies:
- Mosquito Control: Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water in containers like flower pots, buckets, and tires. Use insecticides and mosquito nets in areas where Aedes mosquitoes are prevalent.
- Personal Protection: Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing and using mosquito repellents. Stay in air-conditioned or screened-in accommodations when possible.
- Travel Precautions: If you’re traveling to areas where dengue is endemic, take extra precautions. Stay informed about local outbreaks and follow public health recommendations.
| Age range | Method of Administration | Number of doses |
|---|---|---|
| From 4 to 65 years | Injection | 2 doses, 2nd dose administered 3 months after 1st dose |
| Age range | Method of Administration | Number of doses |
|---|---|---|
| From 4 to 65 years | Injection | 2 doses, 2nd dose administered 3 months after 1st dose |
Under the age of 4 years or over the age of 65 years.
Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients.
A life-threatening reaction after previous administration of a vaccine containing similar components.
Vaccination should be postponed in individuals suffering from an acute severe febrile illness. The presence of a minor infection is not a contraindication.
Cautions
Immunosuppression and HIV
This is a live vaccine and contraindicated in immunosuppression and HIV conditions.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contraindicated in both pregnancy and breastfeeding
Previous Dengue Fever Infection, vaccine can be given.
Under the age of 4 years or over the age of 65 years.
Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients.
A life-threatening reaction after previous administration of a vaccine containing similar components.
Vaccination should be postponed in individuals suffering from an acute severe febrile illness. The presence of a minor infection is not a contraindication.
Cautions
Immunosuppression and HIV
This is a live vaccine and contraindicated in immunosuppression and HIV conditions.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contraindicated in both pregnancy and breastfeeding
Previous Dengue Fever Infection, vaccine can be given.
What amount of protection will I get from a single dose?
Manufacturers advise that single dose will provide 80% protection after 14 days and last for 3 months.
How effective is Qdenga?
Qdenga is manufactured using a dengue type 2 backbone. In trials this protects against types 1 and 2. However in the conducted trials there were no identified cases of types 3 and 4, but the Takeda advisory committee is confident there is likely to be some protection.
Does Qdenga require a blood test before vaccination?
No. Qdenga vaccine is manufactured differently to other vaccines and does not require a test for earlier dengue infection before use.
How long will a course of Qdenga last and when will need to have a booster?
The length of protection is currently unknown and booster information has yet to be published by manufacturer.
What type of vaccine is Qdenga?
Qdenga is a live rDNA vaccine.
Can Qdenga be given at the same time as other travel vaccines?
Qdenga can be given at the same time as inactive vaccines (eg hepA, typhoid, TDP, rabies, Japanese encephalitis). Trials have shown that is can also be given at the same time as yellow fever vaccine. There is no published evidence with other live vaccines and a4 week gap should be allowed between them, eg. MMR and Qdenga.
What amount of protection will I get from a single dose?
Manufacturers advise that single dose will provide 80% protection after 14 days and last for 3 months.
How effective is Qdenga?
Qdenga is manufactured using a dengue type 2 backbone. In trials this protects against types 1 and 2. However in the conducted trials there were no identified cases of types 3 and 4, but the Takeda advisory committee is confident there is likely to be some protection.
Does Qdenga require a blood test before vaccination?
No. Qdenga vaccine is manufactured differently to other vaccines and does not require a test for earlier dengue infection before use.
How long will a course of Qdenga last and when will need to have a booster?
The length of protection is currently unknown and booster information has yet to be published by manufacturer.
What type of vaccine is Qdenga?
Qdenga is a live rDNA vaccine.
Can Qdenga be given at the same time as other travel vaccines?
Qdenga can be given at the same time as inactive vaccines (eg hepA, typhoid, TDP, rabies, Japanese encephalitis). Trials have shown that is can also be given at the same time as yellow fever vaccine. There is no published evidence with other live vaccines and a4 week gap should be allowed between them, eg. MMR and Qdenga.
Travel Vaccinations
Whether you are going on a honeymoon, trekking or going on a last minute business trip, we can provide you with a comprehensive travel clinic service. Our specialist nurses and pharmacists offer vaccinations for travel to any country in the world, as well as destination specific health advice tailored to your itineraries. Click here for a full list of vaccinations we offer. Please note: Parents or legal guardians will need to directly accompany any child who is being vaccinated and bring along a photo ID for themselves.
Pre-Travel Advice
Our pre-travel consultations are with experienced travel health specialists and pharmacists who will assess the impact of any pre-existing medical conditions along with your vaccine requirements. They will discuss in detail countries at risk, precautions you can take to avoid exposure and how to travel safely. We also highly recommend visiting the government websites which has the latest travel news and advice for every destination.
Travel health enquiries
For all travel health enquiries, simply contact us below.
