Dengue Fever Vaccine

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that affects millions of individuals every year. Countries in the tropics are often those most affected by the illness.

While symptoms are usually ‘flu-like’, dengue fever can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever. This more serious form of the disease can be fatal, especially for the immunocompromised.

A few vaccines against dengue are currently under development or have recently been approved. These will help protect those living in affected areas and travelers to these regions.

Dengue fever vaccines are designed to prevent the spread of the dengue virus through mosquitoes or other means. About five dengue vaccines are under development. But, one has been approved for use in Mexico and Brazil.

Dengvaxia® is the first dengue vaccine approved for use in the prevention of dengue. It is set to come to market in Brazil and Mexico soon. There is no word yet on when it or another dengue vaccine will be available in the United States.

While Dengvaxia® will soon be available in Brazil and Mexico, there is not timetable for its release elsewhere. At least five other dengue vaccines are in the research and development process. Some of these vaccines have proven to be effective. These vaccines may receive approval within the coming months or years.

Pricing for Dengvaxia® and other potential dengue vaccines has not been released. Once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the vaccine and it has reached the market, we will update this section.

Dengue fever is a potentially deadly virus that can affect anyone traveling to a region where the virus is present. Some of these regions include:

• India
• Mexico
• Thailand
• Brazil
• Philippines

When it becomes available, the dengue vaccine will be the best form or protection against the disease. Until then, health care organizations like the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recommend:

• Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET.
• Consider using permethrin or other repellent that will provide added protection to clothing.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and other clothes that will cover exposed skin.

Are you planning a trip to an area affected by dengue? Want to learn more about how you can protect yourself and your family from the virus? Schedule an appointment with a Passport Health Travel Specialist today by calling or booking online now.