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What is Dengue?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes. Commonly known as "breakbone fever" due to the intense muscle and joint pain it causes, dengue is widespread throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of Southeast Asia, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Pacific Islands.
Dengue is caused by four distinct virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). While a first infection causes severe flu-like symptoms, a secondary infection with a different serotype carries a significantly higher risk of severe, life-threatening dengue complications (such as severe bleeding or organ damage).
At Livewell Clinic Pharmacy, we offer the private Dengue Fever Vaccination Service (Qdenga®) at our Soho, London clinic to protect travellers visiting dengue-endemic areas.
Why Get Vaccinated Against Dengue?
Because there is no specific antiviral treatment or cure for dengue fever, vaccination combined with mosquito bite avoidance is your best protection:
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Protection Against All 4 Strains: Qdenga® is a live attenuated tetravalent vaccine that protects against all four dengue serotypes.
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Drastically Reduces Hospitalisation: Clinical studies demonstrate that Qdenga® reduces symptomatic dengue fever by 80% and reduces hospitalisation due to severe dengue by up to 90%.
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Crucial for Repeat Travellers: Essential protection for individuals who have previously contracted dengue fever and are travelling back to risk zones.
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Works Regardless of Prior Infection: Unlike older dengue vaccines, Qdenga® can be administered whether or not you have had dengue in the past.
Dosing Schedule & Preparation
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Primary Course: 2 doses, administered 3 months apart.
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When to Start: Ideally, you should start your course at least 3 to 4 months before your trip so both doses can be completed before departure.
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Last-Minute Travel: High-level antibody protection begins from around 14 to 30 days after the first dose. If your trip is sooner than 3 months away, consult our pharmacist; receiving the first dose still offers valuable partial protection before your travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who should consider getting the Dengue vaccine?
Vaccination is particularly recommended for:
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Travellers who have previously had dengue fever and are visiting endemic areas (due to the higher risk of severe secondary infection).
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Frequent travellers, long-term expatriates, healthcare workers, or aid personnel staying in regions with frequent dengue outbreaks.
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Individuals visiting family or staying in residential/rural areas rather than tourist resorts.
Do I need a blood test before getting Qdenga®?
No. Unlike earlier dengue vaccines (like Dengvaxia), Qdenga® does not require a pre-vaccination blood test for prior exposure. It is licensed for both dengue-naive travellers and those with past infections.
Who should NOT receive the Qdenga® vaccine?
Because Qdenga® is a live attenuated vaccine, it is not suitable for everyone. You should avoid or postpone the vaccine if you:
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Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential should avoid pregnancy for at least 1 month after vaccination.
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Have a severely weakened immune system (due to HIV, genetic defects, chemotherapy, high-dose steroids, or immunosuppressive therapy).
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Have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of Qdenga® or any of its ingredients.
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Are currently unwell with a high fever or acute infection on the day of vaccination.
What are the common side effects?
Side effects are generally mild to moderate and resolve within a few days (and are noticeably less frequent after the second dose):
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Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
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Headache or muscle pain
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General feeling of being unwell, fatigue, or mild fever
Does the vaccine replace insect repellent?
No. Aedes mosquitoes bite primarily during the day (especially around dawn and dusk) and also carry other viruses like Zika and Chikungunya. Vaccination must always be combined with daytime bite prevention measures:
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Apply 50% DEET (or picaridin/oil of lemon eucalyptus) repellent over sunscreen.
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Wear loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing and trousers.
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Stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodation.
Book Your Dengue Vaccine Consultation
Plan ahead to ensure you complete your two-dose course before travelling:
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Book Online: Select a convenient travel clinic slot via our booking portal.
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Clinical Assessment: Meet with our GPhC-registered pharmacist at our Soho location to evaluate your travel itinerary and medical history.
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Vaccination: Receive your subcutaneous injection in a comfortable, private consultation room.