Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), it is more common in Thailand and tropical climate country. Four dengue virus strains (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) can cause dengue fever.
Since October 2023, there are currently two live attenuated vaccines available in Thailand which have different in main structures (backbone), but both are targeting the four dengue virus serotypes. The first one, known as CYD-TDV, Dengvaxia
® was licensed in 2017 and the second generation called TAK-003, Qdenga
® was just available in 2023.
- CYD-TDV (Chimerix yellow fever derived-tetravalent dengue vaccine), Dengvaxia®
The Chimeric dengue vaccine in a yellow fever 17D backbone. This vaccine must be administered as a three-shot series over a period of six months (at 0, 6, and 12 months) to children and adults between the ages of 9 and 45 with a history of dengue infection or serological testing for past dengue infection. Signs of very common side effect include injection site pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, low-grade fever, etc.
- TAK-003 (Tetravalent dengue vaccine), QDenga®
The dengue tetravalent vaccine with dengue serotype 2 virus backbone. This vaccine must be administered as a two-shot series with a 3-month interval (at 0 and 3 months) to children and adults between the ages of 4 and 60, with or without previously being infected with dengue. Therefore, a laboratory-confirmed dengue infection is not necessary. Signs of very common side effect include injection site pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, low-grade fever, etc.
Overall, the dengue vaccines can protect people from dengue infection around 60-80%, prevent severe dengue leading to hospitalizations around 70-90%. Booster studies are ongoing.
What if people cannot get dengue tetravalent vaccine on schedule?
If you or your child miss a scheduled injection, your doctor will decide when to give the missed injection. Please follow the instructions of your doctor, pharmacist or nurse regarding follow-up injection.
Who should not get dengue tetravalent vaccine?
- Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to dengue tetravalent vaccine or any component of the vaccine.
- Anyone who has an immunocompromised disease such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), or take a medicine that affects the immune system (such as high-dose corticosteroids or chemotherapy).
- Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Anyone who is having a fever when the shot is scheduled.
What if severe side effects occur?
If abnormal symptoms such as breathing difficulty, rapid swelling under the skin such as face, throat, arms and legs, high fever occur, please go to the hospital immediately.
Drug Interactions between dengue tetravalent vaccine and others
Consult the doctor for more information regarding a reduced immune which is a responsive reaction to other vaccines.
Prevention of dengue infection
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization shared the dengue vaccine be considered for introduction in settings with high dengue disease burden and high transmission intensity to maximize the public health impact and minimize any potential risk in seronegative persons. Infectious disease association of Thailand recommended to discuss with the doctor to learn more about the benefit-cost-risk to get the vaccine. However, dengue infection can be prevented by several methods concurrently such as avoiding mosquitoes bite, eliminating mosquito reservoirs to maximize the reduction of the risk of dengue fever. Dengue vaccination cannot totally prevent dengue infection. If dengue infection is suspected, please notify the doctor. It is recommended that individuals who have recovered from dengue fever wait for a minimum of 6 months before receiving dengue vaccine.
References
For more information please contact:
- Vaccination Center
07.00-16.00 (BKK Time)
Tel: 02 011 3193
Contact center 02 066 8888 or 1378
Last modify: March 07, 2025