New Delhi: In a first, the Central government has approved the public rollout of the dengue vaccine ‘Qdenga’ to help curb dengue outbreaks across India. The vaccine, developed by Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceuticals, can be administered to people aged 4 to 60 years.
Dengue has become a recurring monsoon-season threat nationwide, with official figures warning that infections have risen 11-fold over the past two decades. Health authorities have also flagged concerns as all four dengue virus types are circulating at the same time, increasing risks for people with weaker immunity.
Internationally, Qdenga is already in use in 43 countries, with more than 32 million doses distributed. Before global marketing approvals, the vaccine underwent 19 clinical studies involving about 28,000 participants.
In India, three phases of clinical trials have been completed successfully, with safety and immune response confirmed. Studies cited in the report indicate the vaccine may provide protection against all four dengue virus types for up to seven years.
Following endorsements on quality and safety from the World Health Organization, India’s drug regulator has granted permission for nationwide use. Takeda, partnering with Indian manufacturer Biological E, plans to produce up to 50 million doses annually, alongside ongoing mosquito-control and awareness campaigns.
