WHO prequalifies new dengue vaccine

New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified a novel dengue vaccine on May 10, 2024. The vaccine TAK-003, is the second dengue vaccine to receive WHO prequalification.

 It is a live-attenuated vaccine, created by Takeda, that contains weakened strains of the four serotypes of the dengue virus. 

 TAK-003 is recommended by the WHO for use in children aged 6 to 16 who live in areas with high dengue burden and intensity of transmission. The vaccination ought to be given in two doses separated by three months apart. 

 According to Dr. Rogerio Gaspar, WHO Director for Regulation and Prequalification, “the prequalification of TAK-003 is an important step in the expansion of global access to dengue vaccines, as it is now eligible for procurement by UN agencies including UNICEF and PAHO.”