Vaccination against dengue fever for travellers

Area of Science:

• Tropical Medicine
• Vaccinology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Dengue fever is a significant travel-related illness in tropical/subtropical regions.
• Severe dengue, hospitalization, and death are rare in travelers.
• Two dengue vaccines, Dengvaxia® and Qdenga®, are available.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide recommendations for the use of the Qdenga® dengue vaccine in travelers.
• To assess the available data on Qdenga® vaccine efficacy and safety in the travel population.

Main Methods:

• The Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine (ECTM) reviewed data on the Qdenga® vaccine.
• Recommendations were formulated based on the assessment of scientific evidence.

Main Results:

• Qdenga® vaccination is not recommended for individuals without a prior dengue infection.
• Vaccination may be recommended for travelers aged 6 years and older with confirmed prior dengue infection or compatible history and serological evidence, plus expected exposure to endemic areas.

Conclusions:

• Travel medicine advisors must clearly communicate the complexities and risk/benefit of dengue vaccination for travelers.
• Informed decision-making regarding Qdenga® use in travelers requires careful consideration of individual infection history and exposure risk.