Qdenga – the first dengue vaccine launched in Malaysia. Here’s what you need to know.

Amidst 4-year national strategic plan by the Health Ministry to curb rising dengue cases, some salvation may be found in the form of the first dengue vaccine. Takeda Malaysia announced the launch of Qdenga*, which is now available in most private hospitals and clinics across the country.

Approved by the Drug Control Authority (DCA) Malaysia, the vaccine is indicated for individuals aged 4 years and older. It is administered subcutaneously as a 0.5 mL dose in two doses, three months part.

Clinical trials show Qdenga to be effective at prevention

Qdenga® is based on a live-attenuated dengue serotype 2 virus, which provides the genetic “backbone” for all four dengue virus serotypes. As such, it’s designed to protect against all four serotypes.

For reference, dengue infections are caused by four closely-related viruses (called serotypes). Usually, severe dengue cases are actually caused by second or third infections from different serotypes. The first infections are usually mild.

The Qdenga clinical trial showed that 80.2% of symptomatic dengue cases were prevented 12 months after vaccination. In addition, it prevented 90.4% of hospitalizations at 18 months after vaccination.

Over the course of four and a half years, Qdenga demonstrated continued overall protection, with a sustained overall VE of 84.1% against hospitalization and 61.2% against symptomatic dengue.

Currently, Qdenga has been approved in more than 30 countries, including the European Union. Additionally, Qdenga has recently been included in the WHO’s List of Prequalified Vaccines.

Dengue cases in Malaysia increased by 86.3% in 2023

With 123,133 reported cases in 2023, there was an 86.3% rise in dengue compared to 2022. Dengue-related deaths also increased by 78.6%, with the highest concentration of cases in Selangor. 2024 isn’t looking positive either, with 41,565 reported cases and 28 deaths, showing a rise compared to the same period in 2023.

Professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Cardiologist and Chairman of Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia (DPAM), said:

“Dengue weighs heavily on us as a nation … Vaccination will be an additional armamentarium that will complement the current efforts in controlling the disease.” – Professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail

According to Dr. Lynette Moey, Takeda Malaysia & Singapore’s Country General Manager, effective prevention requires a multi-faceted approach:

“The availability of Qdenga® is a crucial addition to the current integrated dengue prevention and management strategies in Malaysia. We are committed to partnering with local health authorities and health experts to ensure Qdenga® is accessible to all eligible Malaysians who may benefit from immunisation.” – Dr. Lynette Moey

Takeda also has an ongoing #JomHalauDenggi campaign that offers educational tools (knowdengue.my) as well as a game (denguemania.my) to help Malaysians understand and protect themselves from dengue.

If you’re interested in Qdenga, do consult with a doctor at any private hospital or clinic to learn more.

*Qdenga (MAL24026009ACZ & MAL24026010ACZ) (Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine [Live, Attenuated])