India launches pilot dengue vaccination drive in Tamil Nadu

India has launched its first dengue vaccination pilot project in Kadayanallur, located in the Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu. The initiative aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine before any potential large-scale rollout.

Health Minister KG Arunraj stated that the vaccination regimen consists of two doses administered with a three-month interval. The vaccine is claimed to provide up to 80 percent protection against the virus and helps prevent severe symptoms of the disease.

The vaccine being utilized is Qdenga, developed by the Japanese company Takeda. It has received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for individuals aged 4 to 60 years. The vaccine is designed to protect against all four strains of the dengue virus by using weakened forms of the virus to stimulate antibody production.