Dengvaxia
Dengvaxia is a vaccine that lowers your risk for getting dengue disease from a virus called dengue virus. It's not a travel vaccine and can only be used by children who already had dengue and live in an area where dengue is common. It's given as an injection under the skin and you'll need to get 3 doses 6 months apart to complete the vaccination.
What is Dengvaxia?
What is Dengvaxia used for?
Prevention of dengue disease in children age 9 to 16 years old who've previously been infected with dengue virus and live in an area where dengue is common.
How Dengvaxia works
Dengvaxia is a live vaccine that protects you from dengue virus, which is a virus that causes a condition known as dengue disease (or "dengue"). The vaccine helps your body's immune system make antibodies against the virus, which will attack the virus if it ever infects your body.
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What are the side effects of Dengvaxia?
Common Side Effects
- Headache (30-40%)
- Pain at injection site (22-32%)
- Muscle pain (20-30%)
- Lack of energy (19-25%)
- General sickness feeling (16-25%)
- Fever (7-9%)
Other Side Effects
- Swelling and redness at injection site
Serious Side Effects
- Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, dizziness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, throat closing, face swelling
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Fever
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
- Unusual weakness or fatigue
Pros and cons of Dengvaxia
Pros
Works well to prevent severe dengue
The vial stopper isn't made with latex, ok to use by people with latex allergies
Cons
Needs to be given as 3 injections, 6 months apart
Not a travel vaccine, it's only given to people who already live in areas where dengue is common
Can't use in people who have a weak immune system because of a medical condition or medications
Pharmacist tips for Dengvaxia
Your child can experience side effects for up to 14 days after getting Dengvaxia. Some of the most common side effects include headache, soreness at the injection site, and tiredness. Your child might experience less side effects with each following dose of the vaccine.
Your child might need to stay at the clinic for a short time after getting the vaccine. As with all vaccines, there's a risk for fainting after getting Dengvaxia. Your child's provider might want to monitor your child for dizziness to make sure they're ok.
Your child will need 3 total injections of Dengvaxia to be protected. Each injection will be 6 months apart. Please mark your calendar with the dates for your child's injections to help you and your child remember when to go into the clinic.
If your child needs a TB test, make sure they get it before or at least 1 month after receiving Dengvaxia. There's a high risk for a false negative result (the test says your child is negative for TB when they're actually positive) if they get a TB test within a month of getting Dengvaxia.
Make sure to keep a record of all your child's immunizations and show it to your child's provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccine, including Dengvaxia, to make sure they're receiving all vaccines on time.
Ask your child's provider what you should do if your child is due for other vaccines. Your child might not be able to get all vaccines on the same day as when they get Dengvaxia.
Read the vaccine information statement for more information on Dengvaxia.
If your child experiences a severe reaction to Dengvaxia, you or your child's provider can report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Frequently asked questions about Dengvaxia
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What are the risks and warnings for Dengvaxia?
Dengvaxia can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of severe dengue
Risk factors: People not previously infected with dengue
Dengvaxia should only be given to people who've previously had dengue. This is because a first dengue infection is rarely deadly, but a second infection can be much more serious. So if a person who've never had dengue is given Dengvaxia and they get infected with dengue again later they're at risk for hospitalization and severe, life-threatening disease. If you're not sure whether or not your child had dengue, your child's provider can check their medical record or do a lab test to check.
Maintain necessary precautions
Just like all vaccines, receiving Dengvaxia doesn't guarantee that your child won't get infected with the dengue virus. For the best protection against dengue, your child should receive Dengvaxia as well as take all necessary precautions to avoid getting bit from an infected mosquito. A few ways to do this include using insect repellent (such as DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting, and using air conditioning, if available.
Fainting
Risk factors: Fainting before or after vaccines in the past
As with other vaccines, your child is at risk for fainting with Dengvaxia. Signs of fainting include changes in vision, burning sensation, and stiffening or twitching of your arms and legs. Let your child's provider know if your child has fainted with vaccines in the past, your child might need to sit down and stay at the clinic to be monitored after they get the vaccine.
Dengvaxia dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5ml | 1 vial | $71.74 | $71.74 |
Typical dosing for Dengvaxia
The vaccine is given in 3 doses. Each dose is injected under the skin, given 6 months apart (at month 0, 6, and 12).
How much does Dengvaxia cost?
Dengvaxia contraindications
Severely weakened immune systems from medications or medical conditions
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