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Vaccinations Against Dengue is Now A Reality

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11 September 2025

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3 minute read

Vaccinations Against Dengue is Now A Reality

By Dr. Christopher Hanjian Sheng

Dengue fever is a familiar threat to Malaysians, as it is to people in many other tropical and subtropical regions. For years, Malaysia has faced dengue outbreaks, putting many at risk of the disease. Despite efforts to reduce mosquito breeding area and to prevent mosquito bites with long sleeves, insect repellent, and bed nets, the question remains: What if you’re bitten? Is there any way to protect yourself or reduce the impact of this potentially deadly disease?

Enter the dengue vaccine—a promising tool in the fight against dengue fever. Before we go into details, let’s break down some terms to do with the dengue virus. There are four types of dengue virus. To put it simply, it would be virus types 1, 2, 3, and 4.

And two types of dengue vaccine. So, which is for which?

Type 1

The first type of dengue vaccine is for people who have had dengue before. It offers moderate protection, but it’s not recommended for those who have never been infected. In fact, people without prior exposure may face a higher risk of severe dengue if infected after receiving this vaccine. The ideal candidates for this vaccine are those who’ve had dengue in the past, especially those aged nine to 45.

This vaccine offers stronger protection against certain strains of the virus, particularly Type 3 and Type 4, but is less effective against others, like Type 2, which is often linked to more serious cases, although Type 1 has traditionally been the most common in Malaysia. It offers stronger protection against certain strains of the virus, particularly Type 3 and Type 4, but is less effective against others, like Type 2, which is often linked to more serious cases, although Type 1 has traditionally been the most common in Malaysia.

This vaccine requires three doses, spaced six months apart, with all doses necessary for optimal protection. It typically lasts for at least six years, especially in individuals with prior dengue exposure. However, the protection tends to decrease over time, particularly against certain types.

Type 2

The second vaccine, a more recent vaccine type, is designed for individuals regardless of whether they’ve had dengue before. Clinical trials show that this vaccine offers strong protection against

severe dengue, including hospitalization, and works against all four types of the dengue virus. It’s a better option for people living in or traveling to areas with high dengue risk, as it doesn’t require testing for prior exposure. Your body learns to fight a specific type of dengue virus but may struggle with other types unless previously exposed.

This vaccine is suitable for a broader group, including children as young as four, regardless of whether they have had dengue infection before. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with weakened immune systems should consult with a doctor before getting vaccinated.

This type of vaccine requires two doses, given three months apart. It also provides protection for about four and a half years, but ongoing studies may extend this timeframe. Booster doses may be recommended in the future, but the need for them hasn’t been confirmed yet.

In a nutshell

Both vaccines are primarily recommended for people living in dengue hot spots. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of the vaccines can vary depending on the type circulating in your area and whether you’ve had prior dengue exposure. Always consult a doctor to determine which vaccine is right for you based on where you live or are traveling to and your medical history.

For both vaccines, missing a dose doesn’t mean restarting the series, but it’s important to catch up as soon as possible.

Note the side effects

Vaccines are generally safe and well-tolerated, though mild and temporary side effects can occur. These may include pain or swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headache, or mild fever, which usually resolve within a few days and can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It’s also advisable to rest, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days after receiving the vaccine.

Although severe side effects are rare, some individuals may experience them such as allergic reactions (e.g. swelling or difficulty breathing) to either vaccine or extreme fatigue. If you experience them, seek immediate medical attention.

While the vaccines reduce the severity of dengue, it’s still possible to contract the disease. However, the vaccines significantly decrease the chances of severe illness and hospitalization.

Precautions for certain groups

If you have specific health conditions, like autoimmune diseases or allergies, consult your healthcare provider before getting vaccinated. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid the first type of vaccine, and the second type should only be used in these cases if the benefits outweigh the risks.

For people with weakened immune systems (such as those undergoing chemotherapy), the second vaccine type is usually safer than the first type, since it’s not a live vaccine. However, a healthcare provider will need to assess the risks for each individual.

Vaccination alone isn’t enough

Even after getting vaccinated, it’s crucial to continue using mosquito protection measures, such as repellents, nets, and wearing long-sleeved clothing. Removing standing water around your home helps eliminate mosquito breeding sites, further reducing the risk of dengue transmission.

The dengue vaccines represent significant strides in controlling dengue fever, especially in regions where outbreaks are common. These vaccines can help reduce the risk of severe disease and hospitalization, but they are most effective when used alongside other preventive measures.

If you live in or travel to an area where dengue is a concern, talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated. With the right vaccine, along with smart mosquito-control practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of dengue fever and protect your health for the long term.

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11 September 2025

•

3 minute read

Vaccinations Against Dengue is Now A Reality

By Dr. Christopher Hanjian Sheng

Dr. Christopher Hanjian Sheng

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