Dengue Fever Vaccination & Prevention

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that poses a significant public health threat, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. With the increasing incidence of dengue, prevention strategies like vaccination and testing are vital to mitigate the risk. In this article, we explore Qdenga and the role of testing in effective prevention.

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What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is spread by the Aedes mosquito. The virus has four strains: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Symptoms range from mild, flu-like signs to severe forms such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening. Common symptoms include high fever, joint and muscle pain, headache, and rash.

Dengue Vaccines: Qdenga

Vaccination plays a critical role in dengue prevention.

Qdenga Vaccine

The Qdenga vaccine is a newer, live attenuated dengue vaccine that offers broader protection against all four dengue virus strains.

Key Features of Qdenga

• Wider Age Range: Qdenga is approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years, regardless of whether they have had dengue previously.
• Dose Schedule: Two doses of Qdenga are administered subcutaneously, with a 3-month interval between them.
• High Efficacy: Qdenga provides up to 80% protection against all four virus strains (DENV-1 to DENV-4), along with a 90.4% reduction in hospitalization rates and an 85.9% reduction in disease severity.

Advantages of Qdenga

• No need for pre-vaccination screening to confirm previous dengue exposure
• Can be administered regardless of past infection history
• Provides significant protection against all four dengue virus strains

Limitations of the Qdenga Vaccine

While Qdenga offers broad protection, there are certain limitations and contraindications to consider:

• Immunocompromised Individuals: Qdenga is not recommended for people with weakened immune systems, such as those on immunosuppressants, chemotherapy, or high doses of steroids.
• Allergic Reactions: Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to components of the Qdenga vaccine should avoid vaccination.
• Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Qdenga is contraindicated for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Women of reproductive age are advised to use birth control for at least one month after receiving the vaccine.
• People with Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome: Individuals with hypersensitivity to the vaccine or who have previously experienced sensitivity to dengue vaccines should avoid Qdenga.

Testing for Dengue: A Key Preventive Measure

In addition to vaccination, testing for dengue is a critical preventive tool.

1. Dengue NS1 Antigen - 1890 THB (Results: 1-2 working days)

2. Dengue virus IgG/IgM screening - 990 THB (Results: 1-2 working days)

3. Dengue PCR (RNA) - 3990 THB (Results: 1-2 working days)

Testing is particularly important for those considering the Dengvaxia vaccine, as it helps ensure that only individuals with previous infections are vaccinated.

Dengue fever is a growing global health threat, and prevention through vaccination and testing is critical. The Dengvaxia vaccine is highly recommended for adolescents with prior dengue infection living in high-risk areas. In contrast, the Qdenga vaccine offers a more flexible option, protecting a more comprehensive age range without needing pre-vaccination testing. However, both vaccines have specific contraindications and limitations, so it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for dengue prevention.

By combining vaccination with proper testing, we can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of dengue fever and protect vulnerable populations from this severe viral infection.

Book Your Appointment Today!

Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform:

 +66 65 237 1936    @PULSEClinic   PulseClinic