Dengue Fever Vaccine
Support and Advice for Travellers
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infection found in many popular destinations. Although vaccination is not suitable or recommended for every traveller, it may be considered for certain people who have previously had dengue. Woodstock Road Chemist provides personalised travel advice and access to the dengue fever vaccine in Oxford for eligible travellers.
During your consultation, our healthcare professional will assess your destination, length and type of trip, previous exposure to dengue, medical history and current medicines. We will explain whether vaccination may be appropriate and help you plan effective mosquito-bite precautions.
What Is Dengue Fever?
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. These mosquitoes usually feed during daylight hours and are often found in towns, cities and surrounding residential areas.
Dengue occurs in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Locally acquired infections have also occurred in parts of southern Europe. Because patterns of transmission change, the ECDC’s worldwide dengue surveillance overview provides useful information about countries currently reporting cases and outbreaks.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Many dengue infections cause no symptoms. When illness does develop, symptoms usually begin several days after an infected mosquito bite and may include:
- -> A high temperature
- -> A severe headache
- -> Pain behind the eyes
- -> Muscle and joint pain
- -> Feeling sick or vomiting
- -> Swollen glands or a blotchy rash
Most people recover, but a small number develop severe dengue and require urgent hospital treatment. Warning signs can include severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stools, extreme tiredness or restlessness.
Get medical advice quickly if you develop possible dengue symptoms during or after travel.
Who Should Consider Dengue Vaccination?
The dengue vaccine is not routinely recommended for every traveller visiting an affected country. Current dengue vaccination guidance says it may be considered for people aged four years and older who have previously had dengue and are:
- -> Travelling to an area where dengue infection is a risk
- -> Visiting a region experiencing an ongoing dengue outbreak
- -> At risk of occupational exposure, such as some laboratory workers
Vaccination may be considered exceptionally for someone without a known previous infection, but further expert advice is advised in these circumstances. Tests for previous dengue infection are not completely reliable, so the assessment may consider previous test results, likely exposure and clinical history.
The vaccine is live and is not suitable for everyone. It cannot be given during pregnancy or breastfeeding, to children under four, or to people who are immunosuppressed. Allergies and other aspects of your health may also affect suitability. The final recommendation must be based on an individual clinical assessment.
How Is the Dengue Vaccine Given?
The dengue vaccine is given as two injections, with the second dose administered three months after the first. This schedule makes early travel planning particularly important. It may not be possible to complete the course before a last-minute trip.
Our healthcare professional will explain the expected benefits, possible side effects and what to do if you feel unwell after a dose. Vaccination does not provide complete protection and does not replace measures to prevent mosquito bites.
How to Avoid Mosquito Bites
All travellers visiting dengue-risk areas should take bite precautions, regardless of their vaccination status. You can reduce your exposure by:
- -> Applying an effective insect repellent to exposed skin as directed
- -> Applying repellent after sunscreen when using both products
- -> Wearing loose clothing that covers your arms and legs
- -> Using window and door screens or air conditioning where available
- -> Sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net when appropriate
- -> Taking particular care during the day, especially around dawn and early evening
Mosquitoes can breed in small collections of standing water around homes and accommodation. Where practical, empty or avoid uncovered containers that collect water. Continue taking precautions throughout your trip, including on cloudy days and when spending time indoors.
What to Do If You Become Unwell
Seek medical advice promptly if you develop a fever or other dengue symptoms while away. If you become unwell after returning to the UK, contact NHS 111 or your GP and mention your travel history.
There is no specific medicine that cures dengue. Rest, fluids and appropriate symptom management may be advised for mild illness, while severe dengue requires hospital care. Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen if dengue is suspected, as they may increase the risk of bleeding; seek advice from a healthcare professional about suitable pain relief.
Personalised Travel Health Advice in Oxford
Recommendations can differ between people travelling to the same destination. Through our travel vaccination service in Oxford, we consider your full itinerary, health and previous dengue history before discussing vaccination.
Woodstock Road Chemist is located at 59 Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HJ. Arrange your consultation well before departure where possible, particularly because the dengue vaccination schedule spans several months. Your appointment can also cover other vaccines, malaria prevention and practical health precautions relevant to your journey.
Book a Dengue Vaccine Consultation
Book a travel health consultation with Woodstock Road Chemist to find out whether dengue vaccination may be appropriate for you. Bring your itinerary, vaccination history, details of any previous dengue illness or tests, and a list of your current medicines.
Contact our friendly pharmacy team if you need further information before arranging your appointment.