Dengue Fever Vaccination

The Dengue Fever vaccine is recommended for individuals travelling to or living in areas where Dengue is prevalent, especially in parts of Asia, Latin America, and Africa. It is also advised for people in frequent contact with dengue-infected areas. 

Qdenga is a Dengue vaccine developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. It is designed to protect against all four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). The vaccine is approved for use in individuals aged 4 years and older regardless of prior dengue exposure, making it suitable for both endemic populations and travellers visiting dengue-prone regions. 

Qdenga is a significant advancement in Dengue prevention, offering broader accessibility and protection, especially in areas with high disease burden or for travellers to endemic regions. 

Qdenga has shown high efficacy against symptomatic dengue, particularly in reducing severe Dengue cases and hospitalisations. 

Studies indicate protection for at least 4.5 years, with ongoing research assessing longer-term immunity. 

Getting vaccinated before travelling is a key step in safeguarding your health, the health of those around you, and the public health of the communities you visit. For Dengue Fever, it is advisable to get the vaccine at least 3 months before departure. 

A consultation with our specialist travel nurse costs £20 for the first appointment and £10 for additional people and follow ups. The consultation is required to assess your travel plans and medical history and recommend vaccinations for your individual needs. A dose of the Dengue Fever vaccine costs £125, and 2 doses are required. 

Please see our full price list for details and speak to our staff in clinics about customised price plans for groups, families or when you book your full course in advance. 

Clinical trials report a favourable safety profile with minimal side effects, such as mild fever or injection site reactions. Rare side effects might include severe allergic reactions. 

You can get the Dengue Fever vaccine in one of our flagship clinics with locations in: 

• London: Victoria, Moorgate, London Bridge 

• Hampshire: Winchester, Southampton 

• Hertfordshire: Hitchin 

• Sussex: Brighton & Hove, Worthing 

• Kent: Ashford 

You can also visit one of our local pharmacy partners by finding a clinic near you. 

Is Dengue Fever the same as Dengue?

Yes, Dengue Fever and Dengue refer to the same disease. Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. 

What are symptoms of Dengue Fever?

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: 

1. 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.
2. Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever): In some cases, the disease can progress to severe Dengue, which is characterised 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%. 

What is the schedule for the Dengue Fever vaccine?

The Dengue Fever vaccine is recommended from the age of 4 and consists of 2 doses, with the second dose given 3 months after the first dose. 

How often do you need a Dengue Fever booster? 

Currently, the need for a Dengue booster dose is under research. Recommendations may vary based on evolving scientific evidence. 

Can children have the Dengue Fever vaccine?

Yes, children from the age of 4 can have the Dengue Fever vaccine. 

Who is not able to have the Dengue Fever vaccine? 

The Dengue vaccine is not recommended for people with severe allergies to any vaccine component or those with a compromised immune system. 

Is the Dengue Fever vaccine free on the NHS? 

The Dengue vaccine is not typically available on the NHS, as it is primarily recommended for use in Dengue-endemic regions. 

What additional precautions do I need to take to avoid Dengue Fever? 

These additional measures, combined with staying informed about Dengue activity in your travel or residential area, can significantly reduce your risk of contracting Dengue Fever: 

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or other approved ingredients to exposed skin and clothing. Reapply as directed, especially during peak mosquito activity (early morning and evening). 

• Opt for long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes to minimise exposed skin, particularly in mosquito-prone areas. 

• Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, especially in areas without screened windows or air conditioning. 

• Regularly empty or remove items that collect water, such as buckets, tires, and flowerpots, as these are breeding grounds for *Aedes* mosquitoes. 

• Choose accommodations with screens on windows and doors, or use air-conditioned rooms, as mosquitoes are less likely to thrive in these environments. 

• Use mosquito traps, coils, or plug-in insecticides to reduce mosquito presence indoors. 

• Take extra precautions during the rainy season when mosquito populations increase.