Dengue Vaccine Has Arrived in Malaysia

Good news as Dengue Vaccine Has Arrived in Malaysia. Now you can be vaccinated against the 4 different strains of dengue fever!

Exciting news for those who have contracted dengue fever just like me. Malaysia has just launched its first-ever vaccine against dengue fever. This breakthrough comes courtesy of Takeda Malaysia, and it's called Qdenga. This tetravalent vaccine is designed to protect against not one, not two but all four serotypes of the dengue virus, and it's generating quite a buzz. Let's find out more about our very first dengue vaccine, shall we?

Dengue Vaccine Has Arrived in Malaysia

Why Dengue is a Major Concern

Dengue fever has been a longstanding issue, especially in tropical regions like Malaysia. It's caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Dengue can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe conditions like dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, both of which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Yes! You read it right! Dengue fever due to mosquito bite can be deadly!

Alarming Statistics

The World Health Organization (WHO) has even listed it among the top 10 global health threats. Just last year, Malaysia saw an 86.3% increase in dengue cases compared to 2022. In the first quarter of this year alone, there were 41,565 reported cases and 28 fatalities. That's alarming! These numbers highlight the urgent need for effective interventions to control this disease.

The Qdenga Vaccine: A Game-Changer

What is Qdenga?

Qdenga is a live attenuated tetravalent vaccine developed by Takeda Malaysia. It's designed to offer protection against all four dengue virus serotypes. This is crucial because previous vaccines have had limited success in covering all serotypes, leading to incomplete protection.

How Does It Work?

The vaccine requires two doses administered three months apart and can be given to individuals aged four and above. The live attenuated nature of the vaccine means it contains weakened forms of the virus that stimulate the immune system without causing the disease. This helps the body build immunity against all four serotypes of the dengue virus.

Efficacy and Safety

Dr Lynette Moey, the country general manager for Takeda Malaysia & Singapore, shared some impressive stats at the vaccine's media launch. Clinical trials showed that Qdenga prevented 80.2% of symptomatic dengue cases within 12 months of vaccination. Over a longer period of four and a half years, its efficacy was 84.1% against hospitalisation and 61.2% against symptomatic cases. These numbers are quite promising!

Availability and Pricing

Where Can You Get Vaccinated?

The vaccine will be available at general practitioner clinics and private hospitals across Malaysia. This widespread availability aims to make it easier for people to get vaccinated without having to travel far from their homes.

Cost Considerations

While Dr Moey did not disclose the exact pricing, she assured that it would be "extremely equitable" in terms of affordability. This is important because making the vaccine accessible and affordable is key to ensuring widespread adoption. The company is also open to collaborating with the Health Ministry to bring the vaccine to the public healthcare sector.

Apparently, Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia mentioned that, given the vaccine's cost of approximately RM373 for two doses, it is essential to ensure that the national budget includes a provision for it.

Why This Dengue Vaccine Matters

The Impact of Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is more than just a health issue; it's a socioeconomic burden. It affects millions of people globally, with Asia bearing a significant portion of this burden. Hospitalisations, lost workdays, and long-term health complications can have a significant economic impact on affected families and communities.

Global Recognition

Qdenga isn't just making waves in Malaysia; it's been approved in over 30 countries, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This global recognition underscores the vaccine's potential as a reliable defence against dengue fever. So that means, we are lagging behind?

What You Need to Know

How to Get Vaccinated

If you're interested in getting vaccinated, you can visit your local general practitioner clinic or private hospital. The process involves two doses administered three months apart. It's that simple! By completing the full vaccination schedule, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting dengue fever.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

The vaccine is approved for anyone aged four and above. Given the high incidence of dengue fever in Malaysia, it’s advisable for at-risk populations to consider vaccination seriously. This includes people living in dengue-prone areas and those who have previously been infected with one serotype of the virus.

Moving Forward

The Role of Innovation

In her speech, Dr Moey highlighted the importance of resilience and innovation in confronting health threats. The recent pandemic has shown us how crucial it is to be prepared for health crises. The development and launch of Qdenga are steps in the right direction.

Collaboration is Key

Takeda Malaysia is open to working with the Health Ministry to make the vaccine accessible to more people through public healthcare channels. This kind of collaboration could ensure that the vaccine reaches those who need it the most.

Conclusion

The launch of the Qdenga vaccine in Malaysia marks a significant milestone in the fight against dengue fever. With its high efficacy rates and broad approval, this vaccine offers hope for reducing the incidence and severity of dengue cases not just in Malaysia but globally. If you or someone you know is at risk, consider getting vaccinated. Together, we can make dengue fever a thing of the past. For more information on Qdenga and its availability, you can visit Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Stay safe and healthy, everyone!

Images credit: Shutterstock