Chennai, July 22:
As part of its dengue prevention strategy, the Tamil Nadu Health Department has taken the lead by deciding to introduce, through government hospitals across the state, the new anti-dengue vaccine, QDENGA.
This follows the Union Government’s approval for the vaccine for the killer dengue, spread by mosquitoes.
The State government is all set to administer it to eligible beneficiaries on a priority basis. The Health Department is preparing to integrate the vaccine into its existing dengue prevention programme, with priority likely to be given to eligible populations through the public healthcare system. Officials say the rollout will complement ongoing measures such as mosquito control, surveillance, and awareness campaigns.
Approved by the Drug Controller of India (DGCI), the vaccine can be administered to those aged 4 to 60 years regardless of whether they have previously been infected with dengue. Significantly, pre-vaccination screening is not required for QDENGA, unlike the earlier vaccines. The DGCI has granted market authorisation to the Japanese firm, Takeda Biopharmaceuticals.
According to Health Department officials, the two-dose schedule of QDENGA vaccination simplifies the process and facilitates easy access, particularly in dengue-prone areas. After the first dose is administered, the second is given three months later. It is designed to ensure protection from all types of dengue, they added.
Every year, Tamil Nadu is witnessing dengue outbreaks, and QUDENGA vaccination is expected to strengthen the state’s efforts to confront dengue.