What Is Dengue Fever?

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, typically active during daylight hours. Often referred to as “breakbone fever” due to its intense joint and muscle pain, dengue can lead to severe complications such as dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome in some individuals.

Common Symptoms:

• High fever (40°C or above)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle, bone and joint pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin rash
• Fatigue or weakness

Symptoms typically appear 4–10 days after being bitten. There is no specific antiviral treatment, so prevention is key.

Who Should Consider the Dengue Vaccine?

The dengue vaccine (Qdenga) is recommended for:

• Travellers aged 4 to 60 years visiting endemic areas
• Long-term travellers or frequent visitors to tropical regions
• Individuals visiting family in affected countries (e.g., India, Thailand, Brazil)
• Backpackers or adventure travellers planning rural or prolonged stays

💡 The vaccine is especially recommended if you have had dengue before — a second infection can lead to more severe disease.

Dengue Vaccine Doses & Timing

The vaccine is administered in two doses, given three months apart. To ensure full protection before travel, it’s ideal to begin your vaccination course at least 4 months before your departure date.

• Dose 1: Initial protection begins
• Dose 2: Full protection reached after completion

Protection is long-lasting and may extend for multiple years.

How Effective is the Dengue Vaccine?

Clinical trials show that Qdenga offers up to 80% protection against symptomatic dengue infection and 90% protection against hospitalisation, even in individuals who have never had dengue before.

Is the Dengue Vaccine Safe?

Yes – the dengue vaccine is MHRA-approved and generally well tolerated.

Possible side effects include:

• Soreness at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Headache or tiredness

These are typically short-lived and resolve within a day or two.

Areas Where Dengue is Common

You should consider vaccination if travelling to countries in:

• Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia)
• South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan)
• Caribbean & Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico)
• Africa (Kenya, Angola, Sudan)
• Pacific Islands

The risk of dengue is highest during the rainy season and in urban or semi-urban areas with standing water.

Do I Still Need to Avoid Mosquito Bites?

Yes. While the vaccine helps reduce risk, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. For full protection:

• Use DEET-based insect repellent
• Wear long-sleeved clothing
• Sleep in air-conditioned rooms or use mosquito nets
• Avoid areas with standing water

At Blackpool Express Chemist, we offer:

• Same-day appointments for urgent or last-minute bookings
• Private dengue fever vaccinations in Blackpool
• Expert travel health guidance from trained pharmacists
• Reliable service to help you stay protected during your travels