India approves its first dengue vaccine: Who should get it and what you need to know

India has taken an important step in the fight against dengue with the approval of QDENGA, the country's first dengue vaccine. The development has generated hope among health experts and the public, especially as dengue cases continue to rise across many parts of the country every year, particularly during and after the monsoon season.

Dengue remains one of India's most common mosquito-borne diseases. Thousands of people are affected annually, and severe cases can lead to serious complications, hospitalisation and even death. The arrival of a vaccine is therefore being seen as a significant milestone in public health.

However, doctors stress that the vaccine is not a magic solution. While it can provide protection against dengue, it does not completely eliminate the risk of infection. Experts say people must continue following mosquito-control measures and seek timely medical care if symptoms develop.

According to Dr Neetu Jain, Senior Consultant in the Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, understanding how the vaccine works and who should receive it is essential for making informed decisions.

Understanding the new dengue vaccine

QDENGA has been developed to protect against all four known types, or serotypes, of the dengue virus. This is important because dengue is not caused by a single virus strain. A person who recovers from one type of dengue can still become infected by one of the other three types in the future.

In fact, a second dengue infection can sometimes be more serious than the first. This is one of the reasons why health experts consider protection against all four virus types an important feature of the vaccine.

The vaccine is given in two doses, with a gap of approximately three months between them. Doctors emphasise that receiving both doses is necessary to achieve the intended level of protection. Skipping the second dose may reduce the vaccine's effectiveness.

Dr Jain explains that the vaccine helps train the immune system to recognise and respond to the dengue virus. If a vaccinated person later comes into contact with the virus, the body may be better prepared to fight the infection.

However, she also points out that no vaccine can guarantee complete protection.

A person who has received QDENGA can still get dengue. The vaccine is designed to reduce the risk of infection and may lower the chances of developing severe disease, but it does not completely eliminate the possibility of falling ill.

Because of this, health experts continue to advise people to remain cautious even after vaccination.

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Who should get vaccinated?

One of the biggest questions following the vaccine's approval is whether everyone should get vaccinated immediately.

According to Dr Jain, the answer is not necessarily.

The government and public health authorities are expected to determine which groups should be prioritised based on several factors. These may include the level of dengue transmission in different regions, local disease burden, vaccine availability and ongoing safety assessments.

People living in areas where dengue cases are common may eventually be among those encouraged to receive the vaccine. However, health authorities will likely provide detailed guidelines regarding eligibility and priority groups before large-scale vaccination programmes begin.

Dr Jain advises people not to make vaccination decisions solely based on social media discussions or public excitement. Instead, individuals should consult healthcare professionals who can assess their specific health conditions and advise whether vaccination is appropriate.

The vaccine may not be suitable for everyone.

Because QDENGA is a live vaccine, certain groups should exercise caution and seek medical advice before receiving it. These include pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, individuals with weakened immune systems and people who are undergoing treatments that suppress immunity.

People who have experienced severe allergic reactions to vaccines in the past should also discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor before vaccination.

Experts stress that safety remains a key consideration, and individual medical history should always be taken into account.

Another important point is that the vaccine cannot be used as a treatment for dengue.

If someone is already infected with dengue, vaccination will not help cure the illness. The vaccine is designed only to prevent future infections or reduce disease severity.

People experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe body pain, intense headaches, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual weakness, bleeding, breathing difficulties or extreme drowsiness should seek medical attention immediately rather than relying on vaccination status.

Doctors warn against assuming that vaccination eliminates all risk. Ignoring symptoms because of a previous vaccine dose could delay treatment and increase complications.

Even after vaccination, mosquito control remains one of the most effective ways to prevent dengue. Experts recommend eliminating stagnant water from coolers, flowerpots, buckets, tyres and other containers where mosquitoes can breed.

Using mosquito repellents, installing window screens, sleeping under mosquito nets when necessary and wearing full-sleeved clothing can also help reduce exposure to mosquito bites.

Public awareness and community participation remain crucial because dengue-carrying mosquitoes often breed in residential areas.

Dr Jain believes the approval of India's first dengue vaccine is a positive and encouraging development. It has the potential to reduce severe dengue cases, decrease hospital admissions and ease pressure on healthcare systems during peak transmission seasons.

However, she emphasises that vaccination should be viewed as one part of a broader prevention strategy rather than a complete solution.

The most effective approach combines vaccination, mosquito control, early diagnosis, prompt medical care and public awareness. When these measures work together, communities have a much stronger chance of reducing the impact of dengue.

As India prepares to introduce QDENGA more widely, health experts hope it will become an important tool in protecting people from a disease that affects millions across tropical and subtropical regions. With careful implementation and informed public participation, the vaccine could mark a major step forward in the country's fight against dengue while helping save lives and reduce suffering in the years ahead.