Dengue and travellers
Dengue is now one of the most widespread mosquito-borne infections, and the World Health Organization reports dengue cases have risen dramatically in recent decades, with much of the world's population living in areas at risk. It circulates across Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, spread by Aedes mosquitoes that bite mainly in daylight. Most infections are mild or flu-like, but a minority become severe.
Is there a vaccine for me?
A dengue vaccine is available, but it is not a routine recommendation for every traveller. Suitability depends on factors such as age and whether you have previously had dengue, because the risk-benefit differs for people who have and have not been infected before. This makes it an individual clinical decision rather than a standard tick-box, and your pharmacist will go through whether it is appropriate for you at the consultation.
Bite avoidance is the mainstay
Because no vaccine replaces it, and because the same mosquitoes carry other infections, daytime bite protection is the core advice for every traveller to a dengue area: repellent, covered skin, and good accommodation. We will cover this whether or not a vaccine is suitable for you.
What to expect
If a vaccine is appropriate, your pharmacist will explain the schedule and go through the patient information and your history first. Suspected side effects can be reported to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Common questions
Q: Should every traveller have the dengue vaccine?
A: No. It is an individual decision based on age and previous dengue infection, not a routine recommendation.
Q: How is dengue spread?
A: By mosquitoes that bite mainly during the day, so daytime bite protection matters.
Q: Is there a tablet to prevent dengue?
A: No. Prevention relies on bite avoidance and, for some, the vaccine.
