Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Each year, it causes thousands of cases in Mexico and worldwide. Symptoms range from mild fever to severe complications requiring hospitalization. Because of this, the search for an effective vaccine has been a global priority in recent years.
Which dengue vaccines exist?
Currently, there are two internationally authorized vaccines against dengue:
- Dengvaxia® (CYD-TDV, Sanofi Pasteur)
The first vaccine approved for dengue. It is available in some countries, including Mexico, but its use is limited due to safety considerations. - Qdenga® (TAK-003, Takeda)
A newer vaccine, authorized in Europe and Asia, and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for specific age groups. However, at the time of writing this article, Qdenga is not available in Mexico.
Main differences between Dengvaxia and Qdenga
- Dengvaxia protects against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4) but can only be given to people who have previously had dengue, confirmed by laboratory testing.
- Qdenga, on the other hand, can be used without proof of past infection, and its authorization in the European Union covers individuals from 4 years of age. Globally, the WHO recommends its programmatic use in children aged 6 to 16 living in areas of high transmission.
Availability in Mexico
In Mexico, the only dengue vaccine available at the time of writing this article is Dengvaxia. Qdenga has not yet been approved by the local health authority (COFEPRIS).
Requirements before receiving Dengvaxia
It is essential to know that Dengvaxia is only recommended for people with confirmed previous dengue infection.
Why?
Because in people who have never had dengue (seronegatives), the vaccine may increase the risk of severe dengue if they later experience their first natural infection.
For this reason, before receiving Dengvaxia, it is necessary to confirm past infection with a reliable serological test, such as the anti-dengue IgG ELISA.
Dengvaxia vaccination schedule
The schedule consists of three subcutaneous doses:
- Prior confirmation: positive IgG anti-dengue serology is required before vaccination.
- First dose: day 0.
- Second dose: 6 months after the first dose.
- Third dose: 12 months after the first dose.
This means that completing the full vaccination schedule takes one year, and protection is achieved only after finishing the series.
What does Dengvaxia prevent?
It is also important to note that Dengvaxia does not prevent dengue infection itself. What it does is reduce the risk of severe dengue and hospitalization in individuals who have had the disease before.
Cities where we offer the dengue vaccine
At Doctor At Home Mexico, we provide home vaccination services in the following cities:
- Puerto Vallarta
- Cabo San Lucas
- San José del Cabo
- Mazatlán
- Culiacán
- Guadalajara
- Chapala
- Morelia
- San Luis Potosí
- Cuernavaca
- Mexico City
- State of Mexico
- Puebla
- Mérida
- Cozumel
- Playa del Carmen
- Cancún
- Monterrey
✅ In summary:
- Dengvaxia is the only dengue vaccine available in Mexico.
- It requires prior confirmation of infection with a serological IgG ELISA test.
- The schedule includes three doses over 12 months.
- It does not prevent infection but reduces the chance of severe disease.
👉 If you have questions about the dengue vaccine and want medical guidance, you can schedule an appointment through our web menu.