Dengue Fever is a disease caused by infection with the ‘Dengue virus’, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, especially female Aedes mosquitoes that feed during the daytime. People bitten by Aedes mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus may become infected. Infected individuals may have no symptoms or mild fever symptoms, up to developing dengue fever, which includes high fever and plasma leakage that can lead to shock and death. Additionally, bleeding symptoms and complications in various organs such as the brain or liver may occur.
Currently, in Thailand, there is one registered dengue vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration, marketed under the name Dengvaxia® with a schedule of 3 doses at 0, 6, and 12 months. It is recommended for individuals aged between 9-45 years. This vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine that does not cause disease but can stimulate immunity. The vaccine can effectively boost immunity in those who have previously been infected with the dengue virus.
Who Should Be Careful About Dengue Fever
- School-age and early working-age individuals, aged 10-24 years
- Elderly people
- Pregnant women
- People who are overweight
- People with stomach ulcers
- Patients with congenital heart disease
- Patients with hemoglobin disorders
- People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma
- People taking corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Groups at Risk Who Should Not Receive the Vaccine
- Individuals with immunodeficiency
- Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- The general public should receive the vaccine only under a doctor’s prescription
Groups That Should Be Vaccinated
- At-risk groups aged 9 years and older
- Those who have previously had dengue fever
- Not in the risk groups that are contraindicated for vaccination
If Allergic to Mosquitoes, Should You Get the Dengue Vaccine?
Mosquito allergy and dengue fever are not the same, except for patients at risk of dengue fever. In cases of mosquito allergy, consult a doctor to consider taking antihistamines or using topical medication.
Can You Still Get Dengue Fever After Vaccination?
Dengue vaccination does not provide 100% protection against dengue fever but covers all 4 dengue virus serotypes. Since the effectiveness against each serotype varies, there is still a chance of getting dengue fever, but the symptoms and severity will be milder than usual.
If You Have Dengue Fever, Can Mothers Breastfeed?
Mothers can breastfeed as usual.
Information referenced from: Vaccine Preventable Disease Division, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health
