• Qdenga vaccine reduces dengue cases by over 50%, with long-lasting effects and a good safety record.
  • Two doses of Qdenga generate immune response against all four dengue virus types in over 90% of recipients.
  • While effective, Qdenga's cost (around $100 for two shots in Malaysia) may limit accessibility for some populations.

The dengue vaccine Qdenga, which got pre-approval from the World Health Organization (WHO) in May, has been found to reduce dengue cases by over 50% and has long-lasting effects with a good safety record, according to a review of 19 studies.

The Qdenga vaccine, also known as TAK-003, was developed by Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical Industries. It's a live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains weakened forms of the four types of the DENV virus.

This "first comprehensive global" review looked at over 20,000 people and found that after receiving the two-dose vaccine, more than 90% of adults and children developed an immune response against all four types of the dengue-causing DENV virus. Out of the 19 studies analyzed, 13 included data from Asia and South America, where dengue is common.

Maria Elena Flacco from the University of Ferrara, Italy, and the lead author of a study published in the journal Vaccines, stated that two doses of the vaccine could be crucial for preventing dengue, given the positive results in safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy. The study reported that TAK-003 had a great safety profile and that immunogenicity after two doses was above 90% for all four DENV serotypes in both adults and children/adolescents, regardless of whether they were initially seronegative or seropositive.

While Qdenga is likely effective, it seems to be a little expensive for commoners. For example, according to a report, people in Malaysia are paying around $100 for two shots of the new Qdenga vaccine. Some have already experienced dengue firsthand. 

Dr. Musa Nordin, a physician at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital, is urging his patients to get vaccinated against the disease, which has killed dozens of people in Malaysia this year. He even believes these deaths are preventable and that the vaccine can help control the disease, reduce hospitalizations, and prevent more dengue deaths.

Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, stated that dengue costs Malaysia around 200 million U.S. dollars annually. He believes the vaccine presents a clear cost benefit for the country by protecting the population and reducing the burden on the healthcare system, as well as keeping people in the workforce. 

Furthermore, analysts expect the Malaysian government to leverage its bargaining power to secure a lower price for the vaccine, allowing for a wider rollout, especially in high-risk areas.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah