Travel vaccine
Dengue
A vaccine that can reduce the risk of dengue fever for eligible travellers heading to areas where the virus circulates.
What dengue fever is
Dengue is a viral infection carried by mosquitoes that are active during daylight hours. Many people have mild illness, but it can cause a high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle aches, and a rash. A small number go on to develop a more serious form, so it is an infection worth taking seriously when you are travelling to affected parts of the world.
The dengue vaccine
A vaccine is now available that can help protect certain travellers. Whether it is suitable for you depends on your age and whether you have had dengue before, as the vaccine works differently depending on prior exposure. During a consultation we will talk this through carefully so you understand your options and any eligibility criteria.
Avoiding daytime bites
Because the mosquitoes that spread dengue bite in the daytime, repellent and covering up should not be saved for the evening. Apply DEET-based repellent during the day, wear loose long-sleeved clothing, and choose accommodation with screens or air-conditioning where you can.
Talk it through before you travel
Dengue protection is best planned ahead of your trip. Book a travel consultation at Crewe Pharmacy, 139-141 Nantwich Road, by calling 01270 215837 or visiting us in person, and we will help you decide whether the vaccine is right for your journey.
How it spreads
Spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day, particularly around dawn and in the late afternoon.
Who should be vaccinated
Travellers visiting dengue-endemic regions, especially those staying for longer periods or making repeat trips. Eligibility depends on age and previous dengue infection.
Vaccination schedule
Two doses given three months apart for eligible individuals.
Boosters
No routine booster is currently recommended after the primary course.
Possible side effects
Soreness at the injection site, headache, muscle aches and tiredness for a day or two.
Regions where there is a risk
South-East Asia, South Asia, Central and South America, Caribbean, Pacific Islands.
Dengue — frequently asked questions
Who needs the dengue vaccine before travelling?
The dengue vaccine is mainly for travellers heading to dengue-endemic regions, particularly those staying longer or making repeat trips. Eligibility depends on your age and whether you have had dengue before, as the vaccine behaves differently with prior exposure. We assess your suitability during a consultation at Crewe Pharmacy before recommending it.
How many doses of the dengue vaccine do I need and what is the schedule?
The dengue course is given as two doses three months apart for eligible individuals. Because of this gap, it is best to start well ahead of your trip. There is no routine booster recommended after the primary course. Call 01270 215837 to plan your timing so both doses fit comfortably before you fly.
How long does protection from the dengue vaccine last?
Once you complete the two-dose course, the dengue vaccine is designed to give lasting protection, and no routine booster is currently recommended afterwards. As with all travel vaccines, no jab is fully guaranteed, so continue to avoid mosquito bites while abroad. We can talk through what to expect for your situation during your consultation.
How soon before travel should I have the dengue vaccine?
Ideally start the dengue vaccine several months before travel, as the two doses are spaced three months apart and protection builds over the full course. If your trip is sooner, we can discuss what is realistic and what extra bite-avoidance steps to rely on. Visit Crewe Pharmacy or call 01270 215837 to begin planning early.
What are the common side effects of the dengue vaccine?
Most side effects from the dengue vaccine are mild and short-lived. People often notice soreness at the injection site, a headache, muscle aches or tiredness for a day or two. These usually settle on their own. We will go through what to look out for at your appointment and answer any concerns before you decide to go ahead.
Is the dengue vaccine free on the NHS or do I pay privately in Crewe?
The dengue vaccine is a private travel vaccine and is not provided free on the NHS for travel. At Crewe Pharmacy it costs £100 per dose. Because eligibility depends on your age and dengue history, we confirm suitability first. Call 01270 215837 or visit 139-141 Nantwich Road to arrange an assessment.
How much does the dengue vaccine cost at Crewe Pharmacy?
The dengue vaccine costs £100 per dose at Crewe Pharmacy, and the course involves two doses three months apart for eligible travellers. We confirm whether the vaccine is right for you before proceeding, as eligibility depends on age and prior dengue infection. To book an assessment, call 01270 215837 or pop into 139-141 Nantwich Road.
Which destinations have a dengue risk?
Dengue circulates in South-East Asia, South Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands. The mosquitoes that spread it bite during the day, especially around dawn and late afternoon, so daytime bite protection matters. Tell us your destination during your Crewe Pharmacy consultation and we will advise whether the vaccine suits your trip.