Dengue Vaccine

Dengue is spread by bites from an infected mosquito. Dengue is not contagious and does not spread directly from person to person.

Symptoms of dengue include fever, severe headache with pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, rashes, bleeding from the nose or gums, or easily bruised skin. A small number of people will have severe dengue disease, which is a medical emergency, as there may be signs of shock, severe bleeding, organ damage, or death.

Dengue vaccines help protect against dengue disease caused by four strains (serotypes 1,2,3,4) of the dengue virus. However, it does not fully protect all individuals against dengue infection, individuals should still continue personal protection measures against mosquito bites.

The dengue vaccine is only recommended for individuals 12 to 45 years old who had a previous documented dengue infection.

It is not recommended for individuals who have no previous dengue infection as they are at an increased risk of having severe dengue, should they become infected subsequently with the dengue virus. A blood test is recommended to determine their past infection status, prior to receiving the vaccine.

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this vaccine, any of the other ingredients of this vaccine, or natural rubber latex

You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

You have recently (within the last 3 months) received a blood or plasma transfusion, or treatment with immunoglobulins (a type of antibodies)

You are currently not feeling well and having a fever

You have a weak immune system due to an illness such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection

You are currently on chemotherapy (for cancer) or medications which weaken your immune system (e.g. high dose steroids)

You have recently received any other vaccine

It is given by injection just underneath the skin (subcutaneous route).

It is given as a series of three doses, usually with each dose given 6 months apart. The first dose of the vaccine should be given at least 6 months after the episode of dengue infection.

Some people may feel dizzy after the vaccination

Sit for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine to avoid dizziness 

Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site 

You may place a cold compress over the affected area for relief

You may take paracetamol for pain relief 

Headache, muscle ache, fever

You may take paracetamol for pain relief

Fatigue

These side effects usually go away on its own

These side effects are generally mild and may last for up to 3 days, except for fever that may occur within 14 days after the injection. Please see a doctor if these side effects do not get better or become worse. 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue

Difficulty in breathing

Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare professional immediately.