Dengue Vaccine Safe and Effective for Children

Protection Against Dengue

Dengvaxia, a vaccine used to prevent dengue fever in children, has been shown to be safe and effective. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that the vaccine protected children from dengue illness, hospitalizations, and severe dengue 8 out of 10 times (80%) in children who had dengue before the vaccination and 66% in children without previous dengue infection.

There is a growing public health need for effective preventive interventions against dengue, a disease caused by four viruses termed serotypes 1-4. The vaccine prevents dengue caused by all four dengue virus serotypes. Since 2022, Dengvaxia has been available for use in children and adolescents in several countries.

Development of Dengue Vaccines

Dengue vaccines have been in development since the 1920s, but the development was delayed due to the complex nature of the dengue virus. The first dengue vaccine was licensed in 2015, and several other vaccines are in development.

Benefits of Dengue Vaccine

A dengue vaccine provides your child with safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against dengue illness, hospitalization, and severe dengue. The vaccine is safe for use in children and adolescents and has no serious side effects. The vaccine is also effective in preventing dengue in people who have never had the disease.

If you are considering getting your child vaccinated against dengue, please talk to your healthcare provider.