About the Dengue Fever Vaccine
When Should You Get the Dengue Fever Vaccine
We recommend receiving the dengue fever vaccine at least 3 months before travelling to areas where dengue is present. This allows enough time for the two-dose course to be completed and for your immune system to develop optimal protection.
If time before travel is limited, we can provide a single vaccination to offer protection prior to departure. Our clinicians will assess your itinerary and medical history to determine the most appropriate option for you.
Vaccine Schedule
To achieve the best possible level of immunity, the dengue fever vaccination course consists of two doses administered 3 months apart. Your clinician will confirm the schedule during your appointment.
Booster Requirements
Ongoing research continues to assess the duration of immunity, and updated guidance will be followed if booster recommendations change in the future.
How the Dengue Fever Vaccine Is Given
The dengue fever vaccine is administered as an injection into the upper arm. All vaccinations at London Vaccination Clinic are given by experienced healthcare professionals following UK clinical guidelines.
How Long Does the Dengue Fever Vaccine Last
Current evidence suggests long-lasting protection after completing the full course, although research is ongoing to determine the exact duration of immunity. Our clinicians stay up to date with the latest guidance to ensure you receive accurate advice.
Possible Side Effects
Most people tolerate the dengue fever vaccine well. Common and usually mild side effects may include:
-Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
-Headache
-Mild fever or fatigue
Rarely, more serious allergic reactions can occur. Our team will discuss risks and answer any questions during your consultation.
Dengue Fever Vaccine for Children
The dengue fever vaccine is suitable for children from 4 years of age, following a clinical assessment to ensure it is appropriate based on travel plans and medical history.
Risks If You Contract Dengue Fever
While many cases are mild, severe dengue fever can be life-threatening. Complications may include severe bleeding, organ failure, and shock, particularly in individuals who have had dengue infection previously. Vaccination and mosquito bite prevention are the most effective ways to reduce risk.
Our London Travel Clinics
We have four central London travel clinics in Liverpool Street, London Bridge, High Street Kensington, and Mayfair, convenient for anyone living or working in the city. We are open early mornings, lunchtimes, evenings, and weekends, providing all essential travel vaccinations and medications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dengue Fever Vaccine
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes, most common in tropical and subtropical regions.
Symptoms usually appear 4–10 days after a bite and include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, vomiting, and sometimes a rash.
A dengue fever rash often appears as red or blotchy patches on the skin a few days after the fever begins and may be itchy.
No, dengue fever is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person; it is only transmitted through infected mosquito bites.
Yes, the dengue fever vaccine is available in the UK through specialist travel clinics such as London Vaccination Clinic.
The dengue fever vaccine is designed to help protect against dengue infection and is approved for use in individuals aged 4 years and older, regardless of previous dengue exposure, following clinical assessment.
The dengue fever vaccine requires two doses administered 3 months apart to provide optimal protection.
You should ideally start the vaccination course at least three months before travel to allow time for both doses and immune response.
A booster dose is not usually required; research is ongoing to confirm the long-term duration of immunity.
The vaccine is suitable for adults and children from 4 years of age, following a clinical assessment.
It may not be suitable for people with severe allergies to vaccine components or weakened immune systems; suitability is assessed during consultation.
The dengue fever vaccine costs £135 per dose, with two doses required for full protection.
Dengue is common in Asia, Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and parts of southern Europe.
Dengue fever is not endemic in the UK, but cases are regularly reported in travellers returning from affected countries.
There is no specific cure for dengue fever; treatment focuses on symptom relief and monitoring for complications.
Prevention includes using insect repellent, wearing long clothing, staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodation, and reducing exposure to mosquitoes.
Dengue vaccination may be suitable for some travellers following an individual clinical risk assessment. Recommendations are based on factors such as previous dengue exposure or infection, travel destination, duration and activities, and whether travel to dengue-endemic regions is ongoing or repeated.
Being seropositive means you have had a previous dengue infection, while seronegative means you have never had dengue. This distinction is important because immune response and potential risks differ between the two groups, and it helps guide vaccination decisions.
Dengue vaccination may be considered for individuals with evidence or a strong likelihood of previous dengue exposure who are travelling again to endemic areas. It may also be recommended for travellers with ongoing or high-risk exposure, such as long stays, repeated travel, or visiting friends and relatives in dengue-endemic regions. Vaccination is advised only when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
The dengue fever vaccine may not be suitable for individuals with no previous dengue exposure who are travelling only briefly or at low risk. It may also be avoided where vaccination does not offer clear additional benefit over standard mosquito bite prevention measures, or where clinical assessment indicates it is not appropriate.
Dengue behaves differently from many other travel-related infections, and vaccination decisions must take into account immune history, future exposure risk, and current UK guidance and safety data. For some travellers, mosquito bite prevention alone remains the safest and most appropriate option.
No. Dengue antibody testing is not performed routinely. Testing is considered only when it is likely to meaningfully inform clinical decision-making, based on travel history, likelihood of exposure, and professional clinical judgement.
We carry out a full individual risk assessment, which includes reviewing your past travel or residence in dengue-endemic regions, known or suspected previous dengue exposure, future travel plans, and overall risk profile. This ensures vaccination is recommended only when it is appropriate and beneficial for you.
