Approximately a third of the world’s population lives in India, where dengue fever is a common illness brought on by four genetically and antigenically different dengue viruses. Consequently, there is a need for a dengue vaccine in India.
Dengue virus (DENV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is the causative agent of dengue fever and is mostly transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The dengue virus is spread throughout the world by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is multiplying quickly as a result of global warming and climate change. The four genetically distinct DENV serotypes—DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4—have been shown to co-circulate among individuals worldwide.
As a result, the dengue virus infects millions of people annually and claims thousands of lives worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sent out a terrifying warning: dengue fever may spread like wildfire.
Consequently, developing a potent dengue vaccine will help strengthen the body’s defences against the illness. For decades, efforts have been made to develop a dengue vaccine. This article discusses the importance of the dengue vaccine especially, in India, the dengue vaccine age limit along with other requirements for their administration, the types of vaccines that are available, and their contraindications because dengue can be fatal if not identified promptly.
What exactly is a dengue vaccine, and what makes it essential for India?
The dengue vaccine is a medical intervention that has the primary objective to prevent dengue fever, a viral condition that is spread by mosquitoes and is brought on by four different dengue virus serotypes.
- Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV), developed by Sanofi Pasteur (not manufacturing for the US anymore), the most well-known dengue vaccine, is a live attenuated vaccination that is authorised for use in individuals.
- Another promising vaccine, TAK-003 (Qdenga), developed by Takeda, has been regulated for the prevention of dengue fever.
- Additionally, clinical trials for another dengue vaccine are currently being conducted at the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the United States.
Since dengue is endemic in more than 100 countries and affects millions of people each year, vaccinations can offer long-lasting protection, which lessens the strain on healthcare systems and enhances living conditions in afflicted areas. Additionally, by lowering healthcare expenses and raising production, vaccination helps lessen the financial burden of dengue outbreaks.
Who is the right candidate for the dengue vaccination?
The dengue vaccine is often administered to recipients between the ages of 9 and 16; however, the dengue vaccine age limit may also be expanded between the ages of 4 and 60, contingent upon the type of vaccine and a history of proven dengue infection. Although TAK-003, a different vaccine, has demonstrated notable effectiveness in preventing dengue, it is primarily advised for individuals who have already contracted the infection (or else who have passed pre-screening for laboratory-confirmed evidence of a previous dengue infection).
Due to the increased risk of exposure, the vaccination is mainly advised for people who reside in or plan to visit dengue-endemic areas. Vaccine recipients must be in excellent health and free from any conditions that would make it unsafe for them to receive the vaccination. Examining any allergies or immunocompromised conditions is part of this.
It should be emphasised that the right candidate might vary depending upon the specific type of dengue vaccine available, as some vaccines may have different age recommendations or additional distinctive requirements.
Should dengue vaccines be administered in all cases?
Not every case can be administered with both of the dengue vaccinations now available. Dengue vaccine contraindications primarily include:
- People who are hypersensitive to the vaccine’s active ingredient or who have already had Dengvaxia or a vaccine made of the same ingredients and cannot receive the dengue vaccine.
- Next in line are those with acquired or congenital impairments in cell-mediated immunity. This includes those receiving immunosuppressive treatments like chemotherapy or large dosages of systemic corticosteroids (e.g., 20 mg or 2 mg/kg of prednisone for at least two weeks) no less than four weeks before vaccination.
- In addition, those who have HIV infection symptoms or those who have no symptoms may have evidence of compromised immune function.
- Finally, vaccination against dengue fever is not indicated for women who are pregnant or nursing.
Apart from the dengue vaccine contraindications, there is evidence that supports concurrent administration of the TAK-003 dengue vaccine with hepatitis A and yellow fever vaccines. Furthermore, studies are being conducted to assess their co-administration with HPV vaccines.
Does India have a vaccine against dengue?
In response to the need for dengue vaccine in India, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Health Research/Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR/ICMR) of the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the United States National Institutes of Health have prioritised collaborative research on promising dengue vaccines.
The vital role of VAP
Indian and American scientists and scientific leaders have initiated efforts to support the dengue vaccine research through the Indo-U.S-Vaccine Action Programme (VAP).
The VAP was established in 1987 on the grounds that vaccinations are among the least expensive health technologies and that vaccination coverage is necessary to reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases worldwide. VAP remains a vital research support institution, receiving funding from both public and private sources to advance research on global priorities such as enteric infections, tuberculosis, and malaria.
The development of a dengue vaccine in India represents a significant breakthrough in the nation’s fight against the disease. A native dengue vaccine candidate that offers protection against the virus’s four types has been developed in India.
Although the vaccine is still in the clinical testing phase and is expected to go on sale by mid-2026, it is not yet fully supported by the government’s public health plan. However, once the vaccine is made available, it is expected to have a major impact on the nation’s response to dengue.
In what other ways does the Indian government prevent dengue disease from spreading?
The Indian government has implemented an extensive strategy that includes vector management, public awareness campaigns, and an efficient healthcare system to control and prevent dengue disease.
Vector Management:
The primary approach focuses on managing the Aedes mosquito population, which is a carrier that spreads dengue fever. This includes applying pesticides on a regular basis, using larvicides, and eradicating mosquito breeding grounds through environmental management and community involvement. For reducing stagnant water accumulation, these agencies are actively involved in these efforts, encouraging the use of mosquito nets and repellents and making sure that waste is disposed of properly.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
An essential part of the government’s plan is raising public awareness and educating the public. Public health efforts spread knowledge about dengue symptoms, protective steps, and the value of seeking medical attention as soon as possible. To reach a wide audience, these campaigns make use of a variety of media outlets, such as social media, radio, and television. The objective is to involve all demographic groups and ensure that dengue prevention is well known.
The role of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme:
The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) monitors and records dengue cases through an integrated surveillance system, facilitating coordinated response efforts. The government has established protocols for the early diagnosis and treatment of dengue cases. Medical institutions are designed to provide symptomatic therapy in addition to supportive care. Patients receiving intensive care are those with severe dengue shock syndrome or dengue hemorrhagic fever.
The Quest for Dengue Vaccine in India:
Dengue fever, or dengue virus illness, is one of the most critical infectious diseases to reemerge globally in the twenty-first century. In India, dengue is a persistent public health concern. Dengue not only poses serious health risks and results in fatalities, but it also costs India an estimated $1.11 billion a year.
Consequently, the development of the dengue vaccine in India should be considered an integral component of a comprehensive plan to manage the illness, one that also includes prevention of the disease spread, appropriate patient care, community outreach, and community involvement. Therefore, initiatives for preventing dengue must continue to emphasise comprehensive vector control.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
