Archive · 23 Jul 2026
India Approves Qdenga: First Dengue Vaccine
India has approved its first dengue vaccine called Qdenga.
This vaccine is made by a company called Takeda and can protect people from all four types of dengue virus.
It is given in two doses, three months apart, and works well to prevent dengue and hospitalizations.
The vaccine is expected to be available in India in early 2027 and will likely cost between Rs 3,000 and Rs 6,000 per dose.
Qdenga is better than an older vaccine called Dengvaxia because it can be given to anyone without needing to check if they had dengue before.
Dengue is a big problem in India, with many cases and deaths each year, so this vaccine is a big step in fighting the disease.
Qdenga is India's first approved dengue vaccine, effective against all four serotypes.
The vaccine has 80.2% efficacy against dengue cases and 90.4% against hospitalizations.
It is recommended for individuals aged 4 to 60, given in two doses three months apart.
Qdenga is expected to be available in India in the first half of 2027.
The vaccine is likely to cost Rs 3,000-6,000 per dose and can be administered without prior serostatus screening.
- Who
- Developed by Japanese drugmaker Takeda, approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation in India.
- What
- Qdenga is a dengue vaccine effective against all four serotypes of the dengue virus.
- When
- Expected availability in India in the first half of 2027.
- Where
- Approved in 42 countries, including India, and developed in partnership with Biological E in India.
- Why
- To combat the spread of dengue, which is a significant public health challenge in India and globally.
Qdenga's Broad Efficacy
Dengvaxia's Limited Use
Vaccine Efficacy
Qdenga's Broad Efficacy
Qdenga shows 80.2% efficacy against dengue cases and 90.4% against hospitalizations, effective across all four serotypes.
Dengvaxia's Limited Use
Dengvaxia's efficacy is skewed towards individuals with prior dengue exposure, limiting its practicality.
Administration Requirements
Qdenga's Broad Efficacy
Qdenga can be administered without prior serostatus screening.
Dengvaxia's Limited Use
Dengvaxia requires prior infection confirmation, making it less practical in endemic regions.
- Vaccine Name
- Qdenga (TAK-003)
- Developer
- Takeda
- Approval Status
- Approved in 42 countries, including India
- Target Age Group
- 4 to 60 years
- Dosage
- Two doses of 0.5 ml each, 3 months apart
- Efficacy
- 80.2% against dengue cases, 90.4% against hospitalizations
- Expected Availability in India
- First half of 2027
- Estimated Cost per Dose
- Rs 3,000-6,000