Travel vaccine

Dengue Vaccine

Dengue is a viral infection spread by day-biting mosquitoes across the tropics and subtropics. It causes a flu-like illness that can occasionally become severe. A dengue vaccine is now available for some travellers, alongside the essential step of avoiding mosquito bites.

Book this vaccine From £100 per dose

Key facts

Who it's for

Assessed individually — especially those who've had dengue before or who travel often/long to high-risk areas

Vaccination course

2 doses, 3 months apart

Minimum age

From 4 years (Qdenga)

Bite avoidance

Essential for everyone — the vaccine does not replace it

When to start

Plan ahead — the course spans 3 months

How it spreads

Day-biting mosquito bites

What is Dengue?

Dengue is caused by a virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite mainly during the day. It is widespread across Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa and the Pacific, and is now one of the most common mosquito-borne infections in travellers.

Most people recover after a flu-like illness with high fever and severe aches, but a small number — more often after a second, different dengue infection — develop severe dengue, which can be dangerous and needs hospital care. There is no specific treatment, so avoiding bites is the foundation of protection, with vaccination an option for some travellers.

Risk areas

Dengue occurs throughout the tropics and subtropics, including much of South and South-East Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands and parts of Africa. Risk is present in both urban and rural areas and is generally higher during and after the rainy season, though transmission can occur year-round.

Risk for travellers

Any traveller to an affected area can catch dengue, including in cities. Risk increases with longer stays, repeated trips and travel during the rainy season. A vaccine is now available and may be considered for some travellers — particularly those who have had dengue before, or who will spend significant time in high-risk areas — with suitability assessed individually. For everyone, careful daytime bite avoidance remains the most important protection.

What are the symptoms of Dengue?

Sudden high fever
Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
Severe muscle and joint pain (sometimes called 'breakbone fever')
Nausea and vomiting
A skin rash
Warning signs of severe dengue: tummy pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, or rapid breathing — seek urgent care

How does the Dengue Vaccine work?

A dengue vaccine (Qdenga) is available privately in the UK and is given as two doses three months apart, from 4 years of age. Because dengue can occasionally be more severe on a second infection, suitability is assessed on an individual basis — taking into account your history of dengue and your travel plans. The vaccine does not replace bite avoidance. We'll talk through whether it's appropriate for you at your appointment.

Book your appointment for Dengue Vaccine right now.

Book vaccine @ £100 per dose

Who might consider the dengue vaccine?

The dengue vaccine is not needed for every trip. It is most likely to be considered for people who are:

Known to have had dengue before
Spending significant or repeated time in high-risk areas, such as expatriates and long-stay travellers
Travelling to areas with ongoing dengue transmission, after an individual risk assessment
Aged 4 years or over and for whom the vaccine is suitable

The vaccination course

The course is two doses given three months apart, so it suits travellers who can plan ahead rather than those leaving at short notice.

We will assess your suitability individually, including any previous dengue infection, and explain the benefits and limitations so you can make an informed choice.

Possible side effects

Reported side effects are usually mild and short-lived:

Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
Headache, muscle aches or tiredness
A mildly raised temperature
Serious reactions are uncommon

Beyond the vaccine: avoiding daytime mosquito bites

Because Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day, bite avoidance is essential for all travellers to dengue areas — vaccinated or not:

Use an effective insect repellent (such as 50% DEET) during the day
Wear loose, long clothing in the daytime
Stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodation where possible
Be especially careful around dawn and dusk, and after rain

Bite avoidance

Spread by daytime mosquito bites

Dengue Vaccine is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite mainly during the day. Avoiding mosquito bites is a key part of your protection. Daytime bite protection matters: use 40–50% DEET repellent, cover up and keep bites off from morning through to dusk.

How to avoid mosquito bites

FAQ