Dengue fever is one of the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne viral diseases in the world, with cases rising significantly across tropical and subtropical regions in recent years. For travellers heading to affected destinations, the arrival of a dengue fever vaccine has been a welcome development in travel health. If you are planning a trip to a high-risk area, understanding what the vaccine offers and how it fits into your wider bite prevention plan is an important part of preparing properly.

At Shivas Pharmacy, our travel clinic in Surrey can help you assess your risk and arrange the right protection ahead of your trip. Contact us today or book an appointment with our team.

What Is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is active during the day rather than at night. This makes it distinct from malaria, where the risk is highest after dark. The virus has four distinct strains, meaning it is possible to be infected more than once, and a second infection with a different strain carries a higher risk of severe disease.

Dengue is endemic in large parts of South East Asia, South Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa and the Pacific Islands. Outbreaks have also been reported in parts of Southern Europe in recent years, reflecting the expanding range of the Aedes mosquito. You can read more about dengue on the NHS dengue page.

Dengue Fever Symptoms

Dengue symptoms typically appear four to ten days after a bite from an infected mosquito. The illness can range from a mild flu-like illness to a severe and potentially life-threatening condition known as severe dengue or dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Common symptoms include:

■  Sudden high fever	■  Severe headache	■  Pain behind the eyes
■  Muscle and joint pain	■  Nausea and vomiting	■  Skin rash
■  Fatigue and exhaustion	■  Mild bleeding (nose or gums)	■  Swollen glands

 

Severe dengue, which is more likely in those who have had a previous dengue infection, can cause serious bleeding, organ impairment, and plasma leakage. It requires urgent medical attention and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

The Dengue Fever Vaccine: What You Need To Know

The dengue vaccine currently available in the UK is called Qdenga (TAK-003), manufactured by Takeda. It is a live attenuated vaccine that provides protection against all four dengue strains. Unlike the earlier Dengvaxia vaccine, Qdenga can be used in people regardless of prior dengue exposure, which makes it more broadly applicable for travellers.

The vaccine is given as two doses, administered three months apart. This means it requires early planning, ideally at least three to four months before travel. Key details of the vaccine are set out below.

Feature	Detail
Vaccine name	Qdenga (TAK-003)
Number of doses	Two doses
Interval between doses	Three months
Suitable for	Adults and children aged four years and above
Prior dengue exposure required	No
Route of administration	Subcutaneous injection

 

Who Should Consider The Dengue Vaccine?

The dengue vaccine is particularly recommended for travellers who are spending extended time in high-risk regions, living or working in dengue-endemic areas, or visiting destinations with known ongoing outbreaks. It is also relevant for those who have previously had dengue and are returning to a risk area, as a second infection with a different strain can cause more severe illness.

The vaccine is not currently recommended for everyone travelling to dengue-affected regions, particularly those making short visits to lower-risk areas. A travel health consultation is the best way to assess whether it is appropriate for your specific itinerary and risk profile.

Dengue Is Not The Only Mosquito-Borne Risk

Dengue prevention is an important part of travel health planning, but it is rarely the only mosquito-borne concern for travellers heading to tropical destinations. Yellow fever is another serious viral illness spread by mosquitoes that is vaccine-preventable and required as a condition of entry to certain countries. Malaria, Zika, and chikungunya are further examples of illnesses where mosquito bite prevention is essential.

This is why a comprehensive approach to bite avoidance matters as much as vaccination. Using an effective insect repellent, wearing loose long-sleeved clothing during peak mosquito activity, and sleeping under insecticide-treated nets all form part of a layered protection strategy. For broader bite protection, our bite protection guidance covers practical tools and measures to reduce your exposure to biting insects and other vectors during travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early do I need to get the dengue vaccine before travel?

Because the Qdenga vaccine requires two doses given three months apart, you should ideally start the course at least three to four months before your departure date. Speak to a pharmacist as early as possible to ensure your schedule allows for full protection before travel.

Is the dengue vaccine suitable for children?

Yes. Qdenga is licensed for use in adults and children aged four years and above. A travel health consultation will confirm whether it is appropriate based on your child’s age, destination, and planned activities.

Does the dengue vaccine mean I do not need to use insect repellent?

No. Vaccination reduces the risk of dengue but does not replace bite avoidance measures. Using a DEET-based repellent, wearing appropriate clothing, and avoiding peak mosquito activity times remain important even after vaccination.

Which countries have the highest dengue risk?

High-risk regions include South East Asia, South Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa and the Pacific. Specific risk levels vary by country and season, so always seek destination-specific advice before travel.

Can I get the dengue vaccine at Shivas Pharmacy?

Yes. Our travel clinic in Surrey provides dengue vaccination and comprehensive travel health consultations. Book an appointment with our team to discuss your travel plans and get the right protection in place.

Book Your Dengue Vaccine At Shivas Pharmacy

Dengue fever is a real and growing risk for travellers, but with the right preparation, it is one you can protect yourself against. Whether you are planning a gap year, a family holiday, or an extended trip to a high-risk region, our team at Shivas Pharmacy can help you put together a travel health plan that covers everything your destination requires.

Contact us today and book your appointment at Shivas Pharmacy so we can help you travel with confidence and full protection.

This blog was written on behalf of Shivas Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.