Australia issues new vaccine advice for dengue fever travellers

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has issued new advice recommending the Qdenga vaccine for certain travellers. The recommendation is particularly aimed at individuals who have previously contracted the dengue virus.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness that is currently seeing spikes in popular tropical tourist destinations. While many cases resolve within a week, the disease can progress to a severe hemorrhagic form characterized by internal bleeding and low blood pressure, which can be fatal. A significant risk factor is secondary infection; catching a different type of the virus after an initial infection can severely disrupt the immune system.

ATAGI noted that five of Australia’s ten most-visited locations—Indonesia, Thailand, India, Vietnam, and Fiji—experience frequent or persistent dengue transmission. The Qdenga vaccine provides protection against all four known types of the virus.