When it comes to dengue, there is no one in our country who does not know it. Almost everyone has suffered from dengue at least once in their life. Sometimes this can become very dangerous and even lead to loss of life. So, there is now a vaccine to help us protect ourselves from this dengue menace. But since there are different opinions in society about this vaccine, let's talk about it clearly and precisely today.
Simply put, what is this dengue vaccine?
This is the vaccine that is given to prevent infection caused by the dengue virus. To be precise, this vaccine trains our body to fight against the dengue virus. That is, after receiving the vaccine, if the dengue virus actually enters the body, our immune system will recognize it and fight it quickly, preventing the disease from developing or reducing the severity of the disease. This vaccine is commonly known in the market as `(DENGVAXIA)`.
The most important thing is that you do not get this vaccine on your own. You should only get it on the advice of your doctor .
Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
This is the most important part. This vaccine is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, if you have any underlying medical conditions or other problems, you should definitely inform your doctor before getting the vaccine. Let's see what they are.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why is it important to tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Cancer | Cancer and cancer treatments can weaken the body's immune system, which can affect the effectiveness of the vaccine. |
| HIV or AIDS status | Since these conditions weaken the immune system, a doctor should decide whether it is appropriate to administer the vaccine. |
| Other immune system problems | In any case of low immunity, care should be taken when administering such vaccines, which may contain live viruses. |
| Current fever or infection | Vaccination when the body is already fighting an infection can cause unwanted complications. It is best to get it after you have fully recovered. |
| Use of steroid-type medications (eg, corticosteroids such as Prednisone, Dexamethasone) | These drugs suppress the immune system, which may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine. |
| Tuberculosis | It is essential to seek medical advice when you have chronic infections such as tuberculosis. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Since there is still no complete data on the safety of this vaccine during pregnancy, it is not recommended. |
| Breastfeeding | You should discuss vaccination with your doctor for breastfeeding mothers. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or vaccines | If you are allergic to the dengue vaccine or any of its ingredients, it should not be given. |
How is the vaccine given?
This vaccine is given as an injection under the skin . It is not something you can take home and inject. It is given in a hospital or clinic by a qualified doctor or nurse.
Usually, before you are given the vaccine, you will be given an information leaflet with details about it. Read and understand it carefully, as the information may be updated.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes, in some selected cases, this vaccine is recommended for children above the age of 9 years. However, special precautions should be followed. It is imperative to discuss with your pediatrician whether this is appropriate for your child or not.
What if I miss a dose of the vaccine?
This vaccine usually consists of several doses. Therefore, it is very important to go to the scheduled dates and get the next doses . Otherwise, the protection provided by the vaccine will not be complete. If for some reason you are unable to go to the scheduled date, call your doctor immediately and get advice on what to do next.
What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
Like any vaccine, the dengue vaccine can cause minor side effects in some people. Most of these are not dangerous. However, we should be aware of some serious symptoms.
| Type of side effect | Expected features |
|---|---|
| Serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Dizziness or vertigo | Sudden dizziness, blurred vision, or a feeling of fainting. |
| Minor symptoms that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Mild or moderate headache. |
| Body discomfort and fatigue | Feeling tired or lifeless. |
| Muscle pain | Feeling like your body hurts. |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness, slight swelling, or pain at the injection site. |
What if I accidentally overdose?
This is administered by medical professionals, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect you may have received an overdose of the vaccine, there are two things you should do immediately.
1. Go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
2. Call the National Poison Information Centre located at the Colombo National Hospital and seek advice.
Take-Home Message
- Although the dengue vaccine provides protection against dengue, it cannot be guaranteed that it will provide 100% protection for everyone. Therefore, it is very important to take steps to protect yourself from mosquitoes even after getting the vaccine.
- Before getting vaccinated, it is imperative to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, medications you are taking, and allergies.
- Maximum protection is only achieved by receiving all doses of the vaccine on time. Do not skip a dose.
- If you experience any serious side effects (e.g., difficulty breathing, facial swelling), seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any questions about this vaccine or your health, do not believe what you hear on the internet or from friends, but only discuss it with your doctor.
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