The dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) vaccine can be obtained in Indonesia, after the WHO introduced it since 2015. To know more in regarding the vaccine, see the following information.
DHF vaccination is one of the efforts to prevent and control the spread of dengue virus infection carried by mosquitoes Aedes aegypti. Since 2016, the DHF vaccine in Indonesia has received approval for distribution from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).
Dengue Fever Endemic
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is one of the health problems in Indonesia where the number of sufferers is increasing and its distribution is wider. This disease is included in the infectious disease that generally attacks children aged less than 15 years. Even so, dengue can also attack adults.
About half of the world's population is at risk of being infected with the dengue virus. According to WHO data, it is estimated that there are as many as 100–400 million infections annually worldwide. About 75% of the number of dengue cases are in the Asia Pacific vulnerable areas.
Ironically, Indonesia is reported as the second country with the largest dengue cases among 30 endemic countries.
DHF Vaccine in Indonesia
Considering that there are so many cases of dengue fever in Indonesia, a vaccine is now available to treat dengue virus infection. The vaccine is the Dengvaxia vaccine which has been approved by the WHO and the FDA since 2015. The Dengvaxia vaccine is also recommended by the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI).
Although this vaccine has not been included in the national immunization program due to its high price, the Dengvaxia vaccine has passed phase 3 clinical trials from 2017 and has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing DHF caused by four types of Dengue virus.
Based on the results of clinical trials, the vaccine made from an attenuated virus is temporarily targeted at people who have experienced dengue virus infection at least once, especially for people who live in dengue-prone areas.
IDAI recommends that the DHF vaccine is only given to children aged 9-16 years who have been infected. Vaccination was carried out 3 times with a distance of 6 months. This aims to avoid the risk of a more severe dengue if the child is infected again.
The current dengue vaccine can reduce the risk of dengue virus infection. However, that does not mean the vaccine is the only way to prevent someone from contracting dengue fever. We recommend that you continue to take steps to prevent dengue, such as maintaining a clean environment.
To determine whether or not your child needs to be vaccinated, you should first consult a doctor so that it is safer and does not cause serious side effects.
