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Travel health.
Clearly explained.

Dengue vaccine

Dengue vaccination may be considered for a restricted group of travellers after careful assessment of previous infection and destination risk.

What is it?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection. It can cause fever, severe aches and rash; a minority develop severe dengue with bleeding, shock or organ involvement.

Where it may be relevant

  • Travellers to dengue-risk areas where vaccination is supported by current guidance
  • People with documented previous dengue infection when required by the product recommendation
  • Those with repeated or prolonged exposure after specialist assessment

Dose schedules.

The clinician will select the appropriate licensed schedule after reviewing age, health, previous doses and departure date.

Two-dose course

Eligible travellers

Dose 1Day 0
Dose 2Month 3

Eligibility must be confirmed before the first dose.

Who may be eligible

  • Only people meeting the current product, age and previous-infection criteria
  • Travellers whose benefits clearly outweigh vaccine-related risks

Who may not be eligible

  • Anyone with a confirmed severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or a vaccine ingredient
  • People who are acutely unwell with a significant fever may need vaccination deferred
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding, immune suppression and current medicines must be reviewed individually
  • People without the required evidence of previous dengue infection may not be suitable
  • Live dengue vaccines are generally unsuitable during pregnancy or significant immune suppression

Potential side effects

  • Pain, redness or swelling where the injection is given
  • Headache, tiredness, muscle aches or a mild fever
  • Feeling faint around the time of vaccination

Important risks and precautions

  • A severe allergic reaction is very rare and requires urgent treatment
  • Protection is not absolute, so relevant food, water, bite or exposure precautions remain important
  • The exact product and schedule must be confirmed during a clinical assessment
  • Inappropriate use according to previous dengue status may alter the risk of severe disease; eligibility must be established clinically

Clinical references

Further information.

Information is general and does not replace a personal assessment, prescribing decision or the latest destination-specific advice.

Frequently asked questions

What does the dengue vaccine protect against?

It is intended to reduce dengue illness in a carefully selected eligible population.

Who should consider the dengue vaccine?

It is considered only when destination risk, age and previous dengue status meet current recommendations.

How many doses of the dengue vaccine are needed?

The course is two doses, three months apart.

Can I have the dengue vaccine close to departure?

Book an assessment even when departure is close. Whether vaccination can be completed or still provide useful protection depends on the product, previous doses and time available.

Can the dengue vaccine be given with other vaccines?

Many vaccines can be given at the same appointment, but spacing rules can apply to some live vaccines. The clinician will check the products, your history and the proposed schedule.