Brief
India launches pilot dengue vaccination drive in Tenkasi district
The pilot targets a high‑incidence town and will assess efficacy before wider rollout.
By Felo News Desk · Published
India's first dengue vaccination drive began on Saturday in Kadayanallur, a high‑incidence town in Tenkasi district, Health Minister KG Arunraj said.
The pilot uses Takeda's Qdenga vaccine, approved by India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation for people aged four to 60. Two doses, given three months apart, are expected to provide about 80% protection, according to the minister.
Arunraj noted that two Indian Council of Medical Research scientists will monitor the impact, and the results will guide expansion to other districts in Tamil Nadu and eventually nationwide.
The World Health Organization has pre‑qualified Qdenga, and it is already in use in Brazil and 40 other countries.
Key facts
- The pilot dengue vaccination drive started in Kadayanallur, Tenkasi district. (newindianexpress.com)
- The vaccine used is Qdenga, manufactured by Takeda. (newindianexpress.com)
- Two doses three months apart are expected to give 80% protection. (newindianexpress.com)
- The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation approved the vaccine for ages 4‑60. (newindianexpress.com)
- Two ICMR scientists will study the vaccine's impact in the pilot area. (newindianexpress.com)
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “India’s first dengue vaccination drive begins in Tenkasi”
