Amidst the queues of patients in hospitals every year during the monsoon season and the shortage of platelets, there is a relief news from the health sector of the country. The Indian Drug Regulator (CDSCO) has officially approved the commercial use of the country’s first anti-dengue vaccine ‘Qdenga’. People between the age of 4 years to 60 years will now be able to get this vaccine.

Will get freedom from fear of dengue: India’s first dengue vaccine ‘Qudenga’ approved, bumper production to happen in Hyderabad

Japanese technology and Hyderabad’s ‘Make in India’ connection

This vaccine is the discovery of Japanese pharma giant Takeda. To ensure its uninterrupted supply in India, the company has tied up with Hyderabad-based Biological E. A target has been set to produce about 5 crore doses every year at the plant located in Genome Valley, Hyderabad. Due to domestic production, there will be no shortage of vaccine in the country and it will be available to the common people at affordable rates.

Dose will be given without blood test: Know how it will work

There are four different strains of dengue (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4). Qudenga is a tetravalent live-attenuated vaccine, which produces antibodies in the body against these four strains. Unlike the older vaccine ‘Dengvaxia’, there is no need for a blood test to know whether a person has had dengue before or not.

This vaccine is given as two doses (0.5 ml) given subcutaneously at an interval of 3 months. In global clinical trials, this vaccine has reduced the risk of hospitalization by 84%.

statement from officials

“The approval of Qudenga is a major step forward for the country’s public health system. This vaccine protects against all four serotypes of dengue and can be given without any prior infection testing. Being manufactured locally will make it accessible to every citizen of India.”
— Medical Affairs Head (South-East Asia and India), Takeda

Impact on common citizens: Will dengue be completely eradicated?

According to health experts, merely getting the vaccine is not enough. The dengue mosquito (Aedes aegypti) breeds in clean water. Therefore, fogging campaigns, prevention of waterlogging and cleaning campaigns of the Municipal Corporation will have to be continued. However, with the introduction of this vaccine, severe dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever) and the pressure on hospitals will be significantly reduced. Its availability in the market and official price will be announced by the Health Ministry soon.