Generic name: dengue vaccine [ den-GE-vak-SEEN ]
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 25, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Dengvaxia?

This vaccine is used to prevent dengue in people 6 through 16 years old who have had dengue in the past and live in areas with a risk of dengue.

Like any vaccine, the Dengvaxia may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Dengvaxia side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dengvaxia may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• signs and symptoms of dengue--high fever, severe stomach pain or tenderness, vomiting, bleeding gums, drowsiness, or hyperactivity.

Common side effects of Dengvaxia may include:

• pain, redness, swelling, or itching where the vaccine was injected;

• headache;

• not feeling well; or

• weakness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Dengvaxia if you are allergic to it, or if you have a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines).

Tell your doctor if:

• you have a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines); or

• you have never been infected with dengue before.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Having dengue during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth. The benefit of receiving Dengvaxia may outweigh any risks to the baby.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of dengue vaccine on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this vaccine.

How is this vaccine given?

Dengvaxia is injected under the skin. You will receive this vaccine in a doctor's office, clinic setting, or pharmacy.

Dengvaxia is administered in three doses 6 months apart. Talk with your doctor if you had a severe reaction after the first dose.

You may faint after receiving the Dengvaxia.

Dengvaxia may affect the results of a tuberculosis test within one month after vaccination.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Be sure you receive all recommended doses of this vaccine. You may not be fully protected against disease if you do not receive the full series.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this vaccine is given by a healthcare professional, an overdose of Dengvaxia is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving dengue vaccine?

Avoid mosquito bites. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions.

What other drugs will affect Dengvaxia?

Before receiving this vaccine, tell the doctor about all other vaccines you have recently received.

Also tell the doctor if you have recently received drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• an oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable steroid medicine;

• medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or

• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with dengue vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Frequently asked questions

• Why can't the dengue vaccine Dengvaxia be used in people who haven't already had dengue?

Further information

• Your vaccination provider, pharmacist, or doctor can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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