Industry Odisha Bureau, July 23: In the latest development, India has approved QDENGA (TAK-003), the country’s first dengue vaccine. This marks a major milestone in the fight against mosquito-borne disease. The vaccine protests against all four dengue virus serotypes and does not require a blood test to check for prior dengue infection before vaccination.
Experts say the vaccine is approved for people aged 4 to 60 years. It is expected to benefit those living in regions that witness frequent dengue outbreaks.
Notably, doctors will administer QDENGA in two doses. The second dose will be given three months after the first. They recommend completing both doses for optimal protection.
One of the vaccine’s biggest advantages is that it can be given regardless of whether a person has previously contracted dengue or not. Earlier dengue vaccines required prior testing in some cases, making vaccination more complicated.
However, it is important to note that the vaccine is not suitable for everyone. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to any of its ingredients should avoid it. Experts advise pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, people with severely weakened immune systems and people already on medication to consult a doctor before getting vaccinated.
Although the vaccine has received regulatory approval, it will not become available nationwide immediately. Furthermore, availability is expected to expand in phases over the coming months.
Experts also caution that the vaccine is not to be considered as a substitute for mosquito control. People should continue removing stagnant water, using mosquito repellents, and wearing full sleeved clothing. They should also seek timely medical care if they develop symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, or bleeding.
