As soon as the rainy season arrives, we Indians are most afraid of mosquitoes and the dengue caused by them, but now the time has come to say goodbye to this fear.
This is considered a huge success for India in the field of health. Come, let us understand every important thing related to this vaccine in detail.
Who has prepared this vaccine?
‘Kyudenga’ (TAK-003) is actually the invention of Japanese company ‘Takeda’, but the biggest relief for us is that it will be mass produced in the country under ‘Make in India’. For this, Takeda has signed an agreement with Hyderabad’s well-known pharma company ‘Biological E’. Since it is manufactured in India, its supply will be fast and without any interruption.
Why is it so special?
There are four different strains of dengue. This is a ‘Tetravalent’ vaccine, which simply means that it can fight against all four forms of dengue.
Earlier, there was a condition with some vaccines that they could be administered only to those who had had dengue at least once in their life, but this is not at all the case with Qdenga. Even if you have never had dengue before, this vaccine is completely safe and effective.
The results of clinical trials show that antibodies were formed in more than 90% of people who took it. It not only prevents dengue, but also avoids the seriousness of the disease and hospitalization to a great extent.
Who will get it and how will it be given?
- Age: According to CDSCO guidelines, this vaccine can be administered to children from 4 years of age to adults of 60 years of age.
- Dosage: A total of two doses are given. Its second dose will be given exactly 3 months after the first injection. It is given as a subcutaneous injection in the arm.
Does it have any side effects?
This vaccine, which is being used in more than 40 countries of the world, has also received recognition from the World Health Organization.
Like any other common vaccine, there is nothing to panic about. Its side effects are very minor. After the injection, you may have a slight fever, headache, or feel some pain and swelling at the injection site. Severe cases are extremely rare.
What will be the price?
Its exact price is yet to be announced, but since it will be made in our own country, it is expected that it will not be too heavy on the pockets of the common people. After its launch in the market, its effect on people will be completely monitored for the first 6 months as a precautionary measure.
Old methods of protection are still necessary
Just because the vaccine has arrived, it does not mean that you should start feasting on mosquitoes. Doctors clearly warn that the vaccine is definitely a strong ‘additional protection circle’, but it is not a substitute for cleanliness and mosquito nets. Do not allow water to accumulate around the house and continue to apply your basic mosquito protection methods as strictly as before.
Source:
- The Lancet Global Health
- World Health Organization