Dengue Fever Vaccination (Qdenga)
The dengue fever vaccine (Qdenga) helps protect against dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause high fever and, in some cases, severe illness. It is given as a two-dose course for eligible travellers (aged four and over who have had a previous dengue infection) heading to dengue-affected regions.
£100 per dose — two-dose course
Who it is for
Eligible travellers aged 4 and over who have had a previous confirmed dengue infection and are visiting dengue-risk areas
Number of doses
Two doses
When to have it
Start well ahead of travel; aim to complete the course before departure
How long protection lasts
Several years following the full two-dose course
How it is given
By injection, usually into the upper arm
Price
£100 per dose
Quick answer
Qdenga is a two-dose vaccine that protects against dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection common across the tropics. It is considered in the UK only for eligible people aged four and over who have previously had a confirmed dengue infection and are travelling to dengue-affected regions such as Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas. The dengue (Qdenga) vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
About Dengue Fever Vaccination (Qdenga)
Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which are most active during the day. Symptoms can include sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and a rash, though some infections cause no symptoms at all.
Most people recover within a week or two, but dengue can occasionally progress to a more serious form known as severe dengue, which requires urgent medical care. There is no specific antiviral treatment, so mosquito-bite avoidance and, for suitable individuals, vaccination are key to prevention.
Qdenga is a two-dose vaccine that protects against the dengue virus. Your travel health nurse will assess your destination, travel plans and medical history, including any previous dengue infection, to advise whether the vaccine is appropriate for you.
Timing
Course completed before travel
The two doses are given three months apart, so it is best to start the course well in advance of travel.
Effectiveness
Good level of protection
Clinical studies show Qdenga provides good protection against symptomatic dengue and helps reduce the risk of hospitalisation.
Duration
Several years
Protection following the full two-dose course is expected to last for several years, with the need for any further doses still being assessed.
Signs & symptoms
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
- Muscle, bone and joint pain
- Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
- Skin rash
- Tiredness and feeling generally unwell
Who should consider this vaccine?
In the UK, Qdenga is only considered for people aged four years and over who have previously had a confirmed dengue infection and are travelling to (or occupationally exposed to) areas with a risk of dengue. It is not currently advised for people who have never had dengue before. Your travel health nurse will assess your history of previous dengue infection, destination and itinerary before recommending it.
High Risk Areas
Traveller Risk Factors
Who should have this vaccine
In the UK, Qdenga is considered only for people aged four years and over who have previously had a confirmed dengue infection and who are travelling to, or occupationally exposed to, areas where dengue is present. It is not currently advised for people who have never had dengue, as a previous infection is an important part of the suitability assessment. Your travel health nurse will review your history of previous dengue infection, your destination and your itinerary before recommending the vaccine.
- Aged 4 years and over
- Evidence of a previous confirmed dengue infection
- Travelling to or living in dengue-risk regions such as Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, the Americas, the Pacific islands and parts of Africa
- Not currently advised for those with no history of dengue infection
The vaccination course
Qdenga is given as a two-dose course, with the two doses administered three months apart. Because of this interval, it is best to begin the course well in advance of travel so that both doses can be completed before departure. The vaccine is given by injection, usually into the upper arm. Mosquito-bite avoidance remains essential alongside vaccination, as no vaccine offers complete protection.
- Two doses given three months apart
- Start the course early to complete it before travel
- Given by injection into the upper arm
- Continue strict mosquito-bite avoidance measures during travel
How long does protection last
Protection following the full two-dose course is expected to last for several years. Clinical studies show that Qdenga provides a good level of protection against symptomatic dengue and helps reduce the risk of hospitalisation. The need for any further booster doses is still being assessed, and your travel health nurse can advise on the latest guidance for repeat or long-term travellers.
- Several years of protection after the full course
- Good protection against symptomatic dengue
- Helps reduce the risk of hospitalisation
- Need for booster doses still under review
Possible side effects
Most side effects from Qdenga are mild and short-lived, settling within a few days. The most common reactions are pain at the injection site, headache, muscle aches and tiredness. As with any vaccine, more serious reactions are rare. Your travel health nurse will review your medical history and discuss any considerations with you before vaccination.
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness and feeling generally unwell
- Serious reactions are rare