The dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) vaccine has been available in Indonesia for several years. The use of dengue vaccine is highly recommended to reduce the severity and mortality of dengue fever in Indonesia.
Dengue fever is one of the deadly infectious diseases in countries with tropical and subtropical climates, including Indonesia. Data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health noted that dengue cases that appeared in 2020 reached more than 71,000 cases with a death toll of around 450 people.
Therefore, to prevent an increase in dengue cases, one way is to receive the dengue vaccine. However, of course, you must first know the right information regarding the DHF vaccine.
Dengue Fever Vaccine is Safe and Effective
The currently available dengue vaccine is the CYD-TDV (Dengvaxia) vaccine. This vaccine contains live attenuated Dengue virus. Dengue virus is divided into 4 types, namely DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. The Dengvaxia vaccine can protect the body from these four types of viruses.
To date, no reports of side effects of the Dengvaxia vaccine have been received by the POM RI. However, in the context of prudence, the POM RI will continue to closely monitor the use of this vaccine in Indonesia.
The Dengvaxia vaccine is useful for preventing the occurrence of severe dengue fever and causing death. In Indonesia, which is endemic for DHF, the occurrence of DHF which is fatal is very likely to occur in people who have been infected with the Dengue virus, and then become infected again for the second time.
Instructions for Use of Dengue Fever Vaccine
The dengue hemorrhagic fever vaccine is intended for children and adults, from ages 9–45 years. However, the benefits of giving the vaccine proved to be more effective in vaccine recipients aged 9-16 years.
As previously mentioned, this vaccine is given to people who have been infected with the dengue virus before. So, someone who has never been infected with the dengue virus is not allowed to get the dengue vaccine.
Here are the dosages and instructions for using the dengue fever vaccine:
- The vaccine dose was given 3 times, 0.5 mL each, with a 6-month interval of injection.
- If the administration of the vaccine is delayed, it is necessary to consult a doctor to determine a schedule change.
- The dengue vaccine injection is given subcutaneously (injected into the layer under the skin) in the upper arm.
Please note that not everyone can get the dengue vaccine injection. Dengue vaccine is not recommended to be given to:
- Pregnant and lactating mothers
- People who have a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines, be it dengue fever vaccine or other vaccines
- People who have a high or moderate fever
- Patients with HIV infection, either symptomatic (with symptoms) or asymptomatic (without symptoms)
To date, at least five additional dengue vaccines are being evaluated in clinical trials. The vaccine that is being developed is expected to protect everyone, whether already infected or not, from various types of dengue virus.
Even so, actually DHF can be prevented without a vaccine. Effective and efficient dengue prevention measures include draining the bathtub, sprinkling abate powder to kill mosquito larvae, closing water reservoirs, and spraying insect repellent in all rooms in the house.
If you have been exposed to dengue fever and want to protect yourself using the dengue vaccine, you should first consult your condition with your doctor. Later the doctor will decide whether or not you need to receive the DHF vaccine.
