What should you know about dengue virus vaccine?

Dengue vaccines are not a simple choice for everyone. A clinician considers whether you have had dengue before, your age, health conditions, travel or residence in an area where dengue circulates, and the vaccine authorised for the setting. A vaccine is designed to reduce risk; it does not treat an active dengue infection. It also does not protect against every cause of Fever, Headache or Muscle Aches. Ask for an individual assessment rather than relying on a general travel message.

Tell the clinician about prior dengue testing or diagnosis, pregnancy or plans for pregnancy, immune problems, allergies and current medicines. Follow the recommended schedule and keep the record of doses. Continue using repellent, window screens, long clothing and mosquito control around the home after vaccination. If you become unwell, arrange a GP Consultation; vaccination does not make every fever a vaccine reaction or rule out Dengue Fever.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, confusion, breathing difficulty, faintness, cold clammy skin or very little urine, whether or not you have been vaccinated. Easy Bruising with a fever deserves prompt advice. Chills, Joint Pain or Muscle Aches may have several causes, so do not use them alone to judge vaccine protection.

Ask whether your dengue history affects eligibility, which schedule applies, what reactions to expect, when protection develops, and what bite precautions you should continue.