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Dengue - a mosquito-borne illness- poses a significant disease burden, as it involves around-the-clock medical care and a personalised approach to achieve complete recovery. Why India needs a dengue vaccine Dengue is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and has become hyperendemic in India. With all four virus serotypes circulating, outbreaks are becoming more frequent - especially during monsoons. According to government data, dengue cases have steadily increased over the past few years. While around 44,000 cases were reported in 2020, this number exceeded 230,000 in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, more than 113,000 cases were reported. Experts believe the actual figure could be even higher, as many cases go unreported. What is Qdenga and how does it work? Qdenga is a live attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine, which means it is designed to protect against all four dengue virus strains - DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Experts believe that, unlike the earlier vaccines, Qdenga works in people with or without prior dengue infection, trains the immune system to recognise and fight all dengue strains, and significantly reduces the risk of severe dengue and hospitalisation. The vaccine is administered in two doses, typically spaced three months apart. Globally, Qdenga has been tested in over 60,000 participants, approved in more than 40 countries, and has received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification, which indicates strong safety and efficacy data. Who should get the Dengue vaccine? Health authorities are expected to release official guidelines, but experts suggest priority groups may include:

• Children, who are more vulnerable to complications
• Elderly individuals are at a higher risk of severe illness
• People in dengue-prone areas
• Outdoor workers, frequently exposed to mosquitoes
• Travellers visiting high-risk regions

Is the vaccine a great solution to combat the dengue menace? According to experts, the dengue vaccine is not a standalone solution as preventive measures remain essential. This can be done with effective public and government participation, to make the neighbourhoods clean and more focused on personal hygiene. Doctors say the vaccine is only an additional layer of protection, especially in high-risk regions. The severity of dengue often depends on the body's immune response, especially after a second infection. A few ways to reduce the incidence of dengue include:

• Avoid stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding
• Use mosquito repellents and nets
• Wear full-sleeve clothing
• Maintain clean surroundings

Are there any side effects of the vaccine? Like most vaccines, Qdenga may cause mild side effects like:

• Mild fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Pain at the injection site

Serious side effects are considered rare, and overall safety data have been reassuring. The approval of Qdenga marks a significant breakthrough in dengue prevention. Experts believe that if it gets effectively integrated with national health programs led by bodies like the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, it could dramatically reduce disease burden.