11/14/2024
Dengue fever remains a significant health challenge across many mosquito-endemic countries. For professionals working outdoors, protecting yourself and those you guide is vital, especially as dengue cases rise globally. Dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, thriving in tropical climates where outdoor activities are popular year-round. In 2022, for example, Malaysia alone reported over 65,000 cases with more than 50 deaths, underscoring the importance of preventive measures like vaccination.
There are two primary dengue vaccines available: Dengvaxia and Qdenga
Comparison
Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV, developed by Sanofi Pasteur):
* Approval and Use: Approved in several countries for individuals aged 9 to 45 who have had prior dengue exposure. It is typically administered only to those with confirmed previous dengue infections due to an increased risk of severe dengue if given to those who haven’t previously had the virus.
* Dosing: Requires three doses, administered six months apart.
* Availability: Widely approved in dengue-endemic countries, including the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, and several others, but it has specific restrictions on use due to safety concerns for individuals without prior dengue exposure.
Qdenga (TAK-003, developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals):
* Approval and Use: Recently approved in the EU and other regions, Qdenga is indicated for individuals aged 4 and above, regardless of prior dengue infection history. This makes it a more widely applicable option, particularly in areas with limited access to dengue testing.
* Efficacy: Shown to be highly effective, offering approximately 80% protection against symptomatic dengue and a 90% reduction in hospitalizations in clinical trials.
* Dosing: Administered in two doses, spaced three months apart.
Availability: Approved in various regions, with distribution expanding, including in parts of Asia and Latin America.
The Qdenga Vaccine: A Key Advancement in Dengue Prevention
A recent breakthrough in dengue prevention is the Qdenga vaccine (TAK-003), developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Approved in the EU and other regions, Qdenga is suitable for people aged 4 and up, regardless of previous dengue exposure. Clinical trials have shown promising results, with Qdenga providing approximately 80% protection against symptomatic dengue and a significant 90% reduction in hospitalizations over a 12-month period. This vaccine could be a game-changer in reducing dengue risk for outdoor educators and their participants.
Why Consider the Qdenga Vaccine?
Broad Coverage Across All Four Dengue Serotypes
Dengue has four virus types (DENV-1 to DENV-4), and infection with one type doesn't protect against others. Qdenga offers immunity across all four, lowering the risk of severe reinfection.
High Efficacy
Phase 3 trials showed Qdenga’s high effectiveness, reducing symptomatic dengue by 80% and hospitalizations by 90%. This efficacy is critical for preventing severe cases and lightening healthcare burdens.
Safety for Young Populations
With approval for ages 4 and up, Qdenga is safe for children—a group especially susceptible to severe dengue. Unlike previous vaccines, Qdenga doesn’t require a prior dengue exposure test, making it accessible to a broader population.
Community Health Benefits
Widespread vaccination can reduce dengue transmission in
communities, particularly urban areas prone to outbreaks. Vaccinating children and adults alike can decrease the severe case numbers and help protect those at higher risk, reducing overall strain on healthcare resources.
Qdenga Availability in Asia: Where to Find the Vaccine
Here’s a breakdown of where Qdenga may be able to be found in Asia:
Malaysia: Available at select major hospitals, including Pantai Hospital, Sunway Medical Centre, and Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur. Contact your local healthcare provider for more information.
China: Limited availability; contact local hospitals or government health agencies for updates.
Singapore: Available at select private clinics and hospitals, including Raffles Medical and Parkway Hospitals. Call ahead to confirm stock and appointment availability.
Thailand: Limited distribution; available in major urban hospitals. Check with facilities like Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok.
Vietnam: Available at leading healthcare facilities in urban areas; check with Vinmec Health System hospitals for availability.
Hong Kong: Accessible at private healthcare facilities; inquire with providers like the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital.
Philippines: Available at select institutions, including St. Luke’s Medical Center in Manila and Makati Medical Center. Confirm availability with the hospital.
Laos and Myanmar: Limited or pending availability; consult national health agencies or major city hospitals.
India: Available in metropolitan hospitals like Apollo and Fortis Healthcare in urban areas. Contact local facilities for specific availability.
Practical Advice for Outdoor Professionals
For those operating in dengue-endemic areas, the Qdenga vaccine can be an important addition to personal and group preventive measures. Alongside vaccination, reinforce other protective practices:
* Use mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
* Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing.
* Avoid areas with standing water where Aedes mosquitoes breed.
* Educate participants on dengue symptoms and prevention to enhance group safety.
Incorporating Qdenga into your health strategy offers substantial protection for outdoor professioanls and participants alike. Widespread vaccination in dengue-prone regions could reduce outbreaks, hospitalization rates, and healthcare impacts, creating a safer environment for all.
For further details on vaccine availability, reach out to local health providers or public health agencies.
