The Doctor Explains the Difference between Dengvaxia and Qdenga DHF Vaccines

TEMPO.CO, Bandung – Vaccines that are expected to ward off dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in Indonesia are currently still limited. So far, according to a pediatrician at the Central General Hospital, dr. Hasan Sadikin or RSHS BandungDjatnika Setiabudi, there are only two dengue vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). “Everyone must first see a doctor who wants a dengue vaccine,” he said, Monday, February 6, 2023.

According to Djatnika, the Dengvaxia vaccine, which has long been approved for use by the Ministry of Health, is prioritized for children aged 9 to 16 years. The vaccination is carried out three times at intervals or once every six months. “The vaccine is highly recommended or required for those who have had a previous dengue infection,” he said.

Also read: DHF 2022 in West Java, High Number of Cases at the Beginning of the Year

Therefore, vaccine recipients must be screened first. The method is from a medical history that states a person has been infected with dengue, or an examination of Immunoglobulin G or IgG. “If you have never had DHF, you will continue to be vaccinated, it is feared that the first vaccine will be considered the first infection,” he said.

Whereas for the second or newest vaccine, namely Qdenga, the terms and conditions as with the old vaccine do not apply. “This vaccine can be given to those who have had dengue or have not had it,” said Djatnika. The designation is for ages 6-45 years with a time of giving the vaccine twice with an interval of three months.

Until now, according to him, the use of the latest dengue vaccine is still being processed at the Ministry of Health and being evaluated by the Indonesian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ITAGI). “That is being discussed. Usually, we pediatricians are still waiting for recommendations from the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI),” said Djtanika.

Regarding the efficacy or efficacy of the two dengue vaccines, according to him, it is around 60 to 80 percent. The dengue vaccine, said Djatnika, must contain attenuated viruses from four serotypes in Indonesia, from DEN 1 to DEN 4. “The efficacy of the vaccine is not the same for each serotype.” he said.

He gave an example of a vaccine with very low efficacy for the second serotype, but it was the other way around for other vaccines. The contraindications for the dengue vaccine are in children or people with low immunity due to disease or drug consumption. “Then pregnant and breastfeeding women are not allowed,” said Djatnika. Even for those who have a history of allergies to the same vaccine before and people with HIV.