India Approves Qdenga Dengue Vaccine Amid Rising Cases

Bengaluru: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted approval for Qdenga, a dengue vaccine aimed at lowering the risk of infection, severe disease, and hospitalisation. Local medical professionals have praised the approval as a major advancement in public health, particularly during peak periods of dengue transmission.

Data from the Health and Family Welfare Department revealed fluctuations in dengue cases in Karnataka, with reports indicating a rise from 93 cases in the first week of July to 129 the following week, and then surging further to 229 cases in the third week.

Dr G Nasiruddin, a consultant in internal medicine, noted that dengue poses a substantial challenge for healthcare systems during monsoon seasons, often resulting in outbreaks that lead to severe cases requiring hospitalisation. He emphasised, "The vaccine, when introduced via a well-structured immunisation strategy, has the potential to significantly decrease the number of symptomatic cases, severe dengue incidents, and hospital visits, especially in regions considered high-risk.”

Combating dengue effectively will necessitate a combination of vaccination along with ongoing mosquito control initiatives, community involvement, and heightened public awareness, as highlighted by the medical expert.

Qdenga is administered in two subcutaneous doses, spaced three months apart. Medical professionals recommend it for individuals aged 4 to 60 who reside in or travel to areas where dengue is endemic, although it is not advised for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dr Priyanka Prakash, an associate consultant in infectious diseases, reported that Qdenga demonstrated approximately 80% efficacy in preventing confirmed dengue cases, and about 90% efficacy in preventing hospitalisation due to the virus within the first year of vaccination. The vaccine’s effectiveness against hospitalisation remained robust at 84% for 4.5 years, although the protection diminishes against dengue serotypes 3 and 4 in individuals with no prior dengue infections.

Addressing concerns regarding vaccination in children, Dr Sandeep S Reddy, a consultant in infectious diseases, stated that the vaccine would not be administered to children with compromised immune systems or those undergoing treatment with high-dose steroids. While a prior infection blood test is not mandatory for this vaccine, doctors are encouraged to assess the medical history of child patients.

The approval of the vaccine has led to discussions regarding its role following a confirmed dengue diagnosis. Dr AN Venkatesh, senior consultant and head of emergency medicine, remarked that while the vaccine can mitigate disease severity, it does not provide complete immunity against infection. He stressed the importance of ongoing mosquito avoidance measures and advised individuals experiencing fever or illness to seek immediate medical consultation.