Dengue Vaccination
Two-dose Qdenga vaccine for protection against all four dengue virus serotypes — recommended for travellers to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Overview
Dengue fever is the world's most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease, with an estimated 400 million infections occurring annually. It is caused by four distinct dengue virus serotypes (DENV 1–4) and is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which bite primarily during daylight hours.
At Gloucester Travel Clinic, we offer Qdenga® (TAK-003) — a live attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine licensed in the UK and recommended for travellers aged 4 and over. Qdenga is the only dengue vaccine currently available in the UK that can be given regardless of prior dengue exposure.
Dengue is endemic across more than 100 countries in tropical and subtropical regions including South-East Asia, South Asia, the Pacific Islands, sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Risk is highest during and after the wet season.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Dengue vaccination with Qdenga is recommended for travellers:
- Visiting South-East Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, etc.)
- Travelling to South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal)
- Going to Central or South America or the Caribbean
- Visiting sub-Saharan Africa or the Pacific Islands
- Undertaking extended stays or backpacking in endemic regions
- Travelling during the wet/monsoon season when mosquito activity peaks
Our pharmacists will assess your specific itinerary, travel duration, and season to advise whether dengue vaccination is appropriate.
Vaccine Details & Pricing
| Vaccine | Qdenga® (Takeda) — live attenuated tetravalent |
| Doses required | 2 doses, given 3 months apart |
| When to vaccinate | Complete both doses at least 2 weeks before travel (allow 3 months) |
| Duration of protection | At least 4.5 years (ongoing studies) |
| Price | £120 per dose (£240 full course) |
| Minimum age | 4 years |
A £20 consultation fee applies to first-visit patients for a full travel health risk assessment. Book early — the two doses must be 3 months apart.
Side Effects & Contraindications
Qdenga is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include:
- Headache, mild fever, or fatigue (usually resolving within 1–3 days)
- Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
- Mild myalgia or arthralgia
The vaccine is NOT suitable for:
- People who are immunocompromised (including those on immunosuppressants or with HIV)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Children under 4 years of age
- Anyone with a known severe allergy to vaccine components
Dengue Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms typically appear 4–10 days after a bite and include:
- Sudden high fever (39–40°C)
- Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
- Intense muscle and joint pain ("breakbone fever")
- Nausea, vomiting, and skin rash
A small proportion of cases progress to severe dengue (dengue haemorrhagic fever), which can be fatal. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop these symptoms after returning from an endemic region.