Dengue Vaccine Rollout Expanded to Protect Millions More
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A new public health initiative will extend dengue vaccination eligibility to individuals up to 39 years of age, considerably broadening protection against the mosquito-borne illness.
The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, through the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), announced a major expansion of its dengue vaccination strategy. Initially focused on children aged 6 to 8 years in select municipalities, the program will now include individuals up to 39 years old. This decision comes after a thorough epidemiological analysis revealed a ample disease burden not only among children, but also within adolescent and young adult populations.
Between 2019 and 2024, over 108,000 dengue cases were recorded in the country with a meaningful increase observed in recent years. The vaccine being utilized, TAK-003 (Qdenga), developed by Takeda Laboratories, is a quadrivalent vaccine, offering protection against all four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4).
The Qdenga vaccine is administered in a two-dose schedule, with a three-month interval between doses. Clinical trials have demonstrated high levels of protection against symptomatic dengue and related hospitalizations, and it is considered both safe and well-tolerated. Vaccinations will be carried out in authorized facilities by trained personnel, adhering to strict protocols to ensure patient safety.
This vaccination initiative is a key component of a broader, complete strategy encompassing epidemiological surveillance and preventative measures aimed at minimizing the impact of dengue throughout the country.
Who Should Not Receive the Dengue Vaccine?
Certain individuals are advised against receiving the Qdenga vaccine due to potential health risks.These include:
- Individuals with known allergies to any vaccine components or a history of severe allergic reaction following a previous dose.
- People with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency.
- Individuals with symptomatic HIV or asymptomatic HIV with compromised immune systems.
- Patients currently undergoing chemotherapy or receiving high-dose corticosteroids.
- Pregnant women.
- Women who are breastfeeding.
Understanding the Risks for immunocompromised Individuals
The Qdenga vaccine utilizes live attenuated viruses. According to a company release, this means that in individuals with weakened immune systems, the body may struggle to control the vaccine virus, possibly increasing the risk of adverse events.
Vaccination and Pregnancy
Due to its live attenuated nature, the Qdenga vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy. Furthermore, women of childbearing age are advised to avoid becoming pregnant for at least one month following vaccination.
What to Do if You Have a Fever
If an individual presents with a severe acute febrile illness, vaccination should be postponed until full recovery. Though, a mild cold does not necessarily preclude vaccination.
Considerations for Immunoglobulin or Transfusion Recipients
Individuals who have recently received immunoglobulins or blood products are recommended to wait at least three months before receiving the dengue vaccine. This waiting period is crucial to prevent administered antibodies from neutralizing the vaccine and diminishing its effectiveness.
The expanded vaccination program represents a significant step forward in the fight against dengue in the country, offering increased protection to a wider segment of the population and bolstering public health efforts.
