Key points
- Dengue infections can occur repeatedly throughout a patient's life, with the second infection having the higher risk of being severe.
- As a healthcare provider, it is important to talk with parents about the use of Dengvaxia in children 9 through 16 years old to prevent severe disease.
- Discover key points to discuss with parents about eligibility, safety, and efficacy.
Overview
Your patients can get dengue multiple times in their life. The second infection is the most likely to cause severe illness, although any dengue infection can be life-threatening. To prevent severe illness with dengue, encourage parents of children who are 9 through 16 years old to have their children screened for previous dengue infection and to get them vaccinated with the dengue vaccine if eligible.
Use these talking points to discuss dengue and Dengvaxia with parents of eligible children.
Topic: What Dengvaxia is
Dengvaxia is a vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that works against all four types of dengue virus.
The vaccine was approved for use in children 9–16 years old who
- Have previously had a dengue infection, and
- Live in areas where dengue occurs frequently or continuously (endemic).
Topic: Why vaccinating children is important
Dengue is caused by any of the four dengue virus types: dengue 1, 2, 3, and 4.
A person's second dengue infection is most likely to lead to severe illness. However, any infection can cause severe illness and can be life threatening.
The dengue vaccine prevents about 80% of dengue illnesses, hospitalizations, and severe disease in children with previous dengue infection.
Topic: Children who are eligible for vaccination
Children 9–16 years old who have previously had dengue and live in areas where dengue is endemic are eligible for vaccination.
Children can have a dengue virus infection without any symptoms. Therefore, testing is necessary to see if they have had dengue in the past.
Only children who have laboratory-confirmed evidence of a previous dengue virus infection are eligible for the Dengvaxia vaccine.
Topic: Laboratory confirmation of a previous dengue infection before vaccination
Laboratory-confirmed evidence of a previous dengue virus infection is required to be eligible for vaccination with Dengvaxia.
Testing before vaccination will confirm if your patient has had dengue before. Test results can be interpreted differently depending on the result:
- Positive: Your patient can be vaccinated.
- Negative: your patient won't be able to get vaccinated.
Why testing is important
Dengvaxia increases the risk of hospitalization and severe illness in children who have not already been infected with dengue. Dengue in children after vaccination who have not already been infected will be much more severe.
Pre-vaccination screening tests
Pre-vaccination screening tests are required to be highly specific to confirm a previous dengue infection. Only children with positive results are eligible for the dengue vaccine.
Topic: Dengvaxia vaccine is safe and effective
Scientists, physicians, and public health professionals specializing in dengue virus and vaccines have reviewed all the data. They recommend the Dengvaxia vaccine to prevent dengue in children who have been previously infected.
Possible side effects after vaccination
Not everyone will experience side effects after vaccination. If side effects occur, they should go away within a few days.
The most common side effects occur within the first 14 days following vaccination and can include:
- Soreness
- Itchiness
- Pain in the injection site
- Headaches
- Lack of energy
- General discomfort
Topic: About Dengue
Dengue is a disease caused by any of the four dengue virus types: dengue 1, 2, 3, and 4.
People get dengue from the bite of an infected mosquito.
There is no specific medicine to treat dengue. Mild symptoms can be treated at home. Severe dengue requires treatment at the hospital. Learn more about the clinical presentation.
Dengue is endemic in:
- American Samoa
- Puerto Rico
- The U.S. Virgin Islands
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Republic of Palau
Topic: Remind parents to schedule follow-up vaccinations
- Three doses of the vaccine are required.
- Each dose is given 6 months apart.
- If your child misses a vaccine dose, consult with me to schedule the missed vaccination.
- Remember to schedule follow-up vaccinations before leaving.
- If your clinic has an appointment reminder system, ask parents to sign up when they schedule their child's follow-up appointments.
- If your clinic has an appointment reminder system, ask parents to sign up when they schedule their child's follow-up appointments.
