Dengue Vaccin

Dengue Vaccine: A Comprehensive Guide for the Public

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. It is a common disease in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with an estimated 390 million infections occurring annually. Dengue virus can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild fever to severe and life-threatening complications. The most common symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash.

Symptoms of Dengue

There are four serotypes of dengue virus, and infection with one serotype does not provide immunity to the others. Subsequent infections with different serotypes increase the risk of severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

Symptoms of severe dengue can include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Cold, clammy skin
• Lethargy or restlessness
• Bleeding from the nose, gums, or skin

What is the Dengue Vaccine?

The dengue vaccine is a vaccine designed to protect against infection with the dengue virus. The first dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, was approved for use in 2015. However, it was later found to have a higher risk of severe dengue in people who had not previously been infected with the virus. As a result, Dengvaxia is no longer recommended for use in most countries.

A second dengue vaccine, Takeda's TAK-003, was approved for use in Indonesia in 2022. This vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, meaning that it contains a weakened form of the dengue virus. TAK-003 has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, and it is currently being evaluated for use in other countries.

Who Should Get the Dengue Vaccine?

The dengue vaccine is recommended for people who live in areas where dengue is common. The vaccine is most effective in people who have not previously been infected with the dengue virus. However, the vaccine may also be beneficial for people who have had previous dengue infections, as it can reduce the risk of severe dengue.

The dengue vaccine is not recommended for people who have a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines. The vaccine is also not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Benefits of the Dengue Vaccine

The dengue vaccine can provide a number of benefits, including:

• Protection against dengue fever
• Reduced risk of severe dengue
• Reduced risk of hospitalization and death from dengue

Risks of the Dengue Vaccine

The dengue vaccine is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, there are some potential risks associated with the vaccine, including:

• Mild side effects, such as fever, headache, and muscle pain
• Severe side effects, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (a rare neurological disorder)
• Increased risk of severe dengue in people who have not previously been infected with the virus

Conclusion

The dengue vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against dengue fever. The vaccine is recommended for people who live in areas where dengue is common. The vaccine is most effective in people who have not previously been infected with the dengue virus. However, the vaccine may also be beneficial for people who have had previous dengue infections, as it can reduce the risk of severe dengue.