Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, affects millions worldwide each year and poses a growing threat in India. The good news is that the country now has its first approved dengue vaccine. The Drug Controller General of India has cleared Takeda’s Qdenga for people aged 4 to 60, offering protection against all four dengue virus strains without needing prior testing.
This two-dose vaccine is given as injections three months apart. It works for those who have never had dengue as well as those previously infected, making it practical for widespread use. Clinical data over seven years show it reduces infections and hospital stays across different virus types.
Dengue cases in India have risen sharply, increasing eleven times in two decades. The country bears nearly one-third of the global burden, with the virus spreading through Aedes mosquitoes in many regions. Symptoms often include high fever, severe headaches, joint pain, and rash. In severe cases, it can lead to dangerous complications requiring hospital care.
Qdenga’s approval comes at a vital time. Produced locally through a partnership with Biological E in Hyderabad, the vaccine could soon become more affordable. Experts stress combining vaccination with mosquito control measures like eliminating standing water and using repellents.