Dengue Vaccination: Does it really work?

Vaccines are now known as an essential tool in the global effort to prevent dengue illness. Let’s explore the current state of dengue vaccinations, their impact on public health, and continuing research to improve their efficacy.

What is dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a disease caused by the dengue virus spread through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. It is a high-risk disease, with millions of cases reported each year worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.

How was dengue fever vaccine development?

Dengvaxia is the first dengue vaccine that has received commercial approval. The vaccine was created by the pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur. However, its effectiveness varies depending on other factors including age, virus serotype, and previous dengue infection. Its effectiveness is 59.2% overall.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals created Qdenga, the second dengue fever vaccine. It has an efficacy rate of up to 80.9%. Qdenga is the only approved vaccine in Malaysia. Knowing that it produces superior results in activating the immune system and protecting against the dengue virus in a safe way.

Is it safe and reliable?

Dengvaxia's manufacturer advised that vaccine users who have never been infected are more likely to get severe dengue if infected. As a result, the Ministry of Health (MOH) continues to restrict its import and sale within Malaysia.

Along with Qdenga, it has been approved for use in Malaysia. Previous research reveals that the Qdenga vaccination can be effective up to 80.9 percent of the time.

It can protect humans from Dengue, regardless of whether they have never been infected or have been infected previously.

Challenges faced in the development of dengue fever vaccines

The process of creating dengue fever vaccines is not without its obstacles including the complex nature of dengue virus, which has four different serotypes.

Safety concerns with dengue fever vaccinations

Dengvaxia and a few other dengue fever vaccinations have become controversial, particularly because they increase the risk of illness for those who have never been infected with the dengue virus.

However Qdenga is a safer option to take when you are considering a dengue vaccine.

Why is vaccination important?

Reducing Disease Spread

Vaccination helps to decrease the spread of many infectious diseases by preventing people from becoming ill.

Preventing Serious Illness

Vaccines assist to prevent serious dengue infections. People who receive the vaccine can reduce their risk of developing serious infections.

Protecting Communities

Vaccination allows for herd immunity, in which many people in the network are protected from the disease since the majority of them have been vaccinated. This helps defend people who are unable to obtain vaccinations, such as toddlers who are too young.

Reduced Health Burden

By preventing preventable diseases, vaccines assist in lowering the burden of sickness on the healthcare system. This makes it easier to lower healthcare costs and increase financial productivity.

Click Here To Get The Qdenga Dengue Vaccine!

In summary

Vaccination serves to enhance both individual and group quality of life by reducing the risk of serious illnesses. People can now live longer, healthier lives as a result of this.

Despite the major obstacles that stand in the way of dengue fever vaccine development, dengue vaccine finally can be used. The goal of controlling dengue disease through vaccination seems more and more realistic as long as research is conducted and global collaboration is maintained.

References

- “Dengue and severe dengue.” World Health Organization (WHO), 23 April 2024, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue . Accessed 16 May 2024. 

- “Dengue Fever and the New Dengue Vaccine.” Samitivej Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/article/detail/dengue-fever-and-the-new-dengue-vaccine . Accessed 16 May 2024.

- “Dengue – Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases & Chemotherapy.” Guidelines for Adult Immunisation, https://adultimmunisation.msidc.my/dengue/ . Accessed 17 May 2024.

- “Dengue Vaccine - Singapore.” HealthHub, 10 January 2023, https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medications/dengue%20vaccine . Accessed 17 May 2024.