What should you know about the anti-dengue vaccine?

Dengue is spread by infected mosquitoes. Vaccination trains the immune system to recognise dengue viruses and may reduce the chance of illness or severe disease in people for whom the vaccine is recommended. It does not treat an illness that has already started, and mosquito-bite prevention remains useful after vaccination.

A clinician may ask whether you have had dengue before, because previous exposure can affect the vaccination decision. Tell them about pregnancy, immune conditions, allergies, regular medicines, and any earlier vaccine reaction. Protection may require a planned course rather than a single visit.

Arrange a GP Consultation to review your travel plans, exposure risk, medical history, and vaccination record. Use repellent, wear clothing that covers the skin, and reduce standing water around your home. A sore arm, tiredness, or a mild fever can occur after vaccination; ask the clinic how to manage these symptoms and which medicines are appropriate for you.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, or rapidly worsening illness after a vaccine. During or after a possible dengue infection, urgent assessment is needed for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding, marked drowsiness, or difficulty drinking. Fever with Chills, Headache, Joint Pain, or Muscle Aches can occur with dengue and deserves medical advice, especially after travel or mosquito exposure.

Ask whether this vaccine is suitable given your age and dengue history, how the doses should be timed, which reactions are expected, and what symptoms should prompt a call. You can also ask whether your current medicines or an immune problem change the plan.