Vietnam Launches Dengue Vaccinations

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection rapidly emerging as a pandemic-prone viral disease across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the incidence of dengue has increased 30-fold over the last 50 years, especially during rainy seasons.

In 2023, over 500,000 dengue cases and 750 deaths were reported from eight countries/territories/areas in the WHO Western Pacific Region, which includes Vietnam.

The WHO reported on October 3, 2024, Vietnam confirmed 76,838 dengue cases, including 12 deaths this year.

According to local news published on September 21, 2024, Vietnam launched its dengue vaccination program in mid-September 2024.

In a media article, Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, Medical Director of VNVC Vaccination System, said that the Ministry of Health approved Takeda's QDENGA dengue vaccine in May 2024 for children from 4 years old and adults.

'The vaccine is particularly effective in preventing reinfection in individuals who have previously contracted dengue fever, which is crucial for Vietnam due to the high prevalence of such cases. Subsequent infections are often more severe than initial ones. Therefore, timely vaccination is essential for safeguarding patients' health and lives.'

This second-generation dengue vaccine will help Vietnam reduce the disease burden and minimize the number of hospitalizations.

Takeda's dengue vaccine is offered in about 40 countries in 2024.