Dengue Vaccine: First indigenous vaccine for dengue- when will it arrive and how effective will it be?

Dengue Vaccine: India is going to take a historic step against dengue. The end of this disease, which makes thousands of people sick and kills hundreds every year, is now near. India is moving rapidly towards developing its first indigenous vaccine to deal with the dengue virus spread by mosquitoes. The clinical trial of this vaccine, which is being prepared in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and an Indian company, is in full swing.

'Indigenous weapon' against dengue

The risk of dengue increases with the arrival of the rainy season, which affects thousands of people every year. To deal with this disease, ICMR and an Indian company are jointly preparing the country's first indigenous vaccine. Clinical trials of the vaccine are going on and experts believe that it may be ready for approval of the drug regulator by the end of 2027. After getting approval, this vaccine will be available to the general public.

Vaccine effectiveness

According to health expert Dr. Sameer Bhati, it will be a tetravalent vaccine, which will provide protection against all four serotypes of dengue (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4). Dr. Bhati estimates that after the introduction of this vaccine in the market, deaths due to dengue can be reduced by 80 to 90 percent. This vaccine will not only reduce the severity of the disease, but will also reduce the number of hospitalized cases to a great extent.

Working principle of the vaccine

This vaccine will prepare the body's immune system to fight the dengue virus. Its main purpose is to prevent the infection from becoming severe and save the patient's life. Although no vaccine guarantees 100 percent protection, it can reduce the severe effects of dengue by strengthening the immune system. This vaccine can prove to be a boon especially for children, the elderly and people with weak immunity.

Features of the indigenous vaccine

This vaccine is an important step towards realizing the vision of self-reliant India. Developed and tested entirely in India, this vaccine will be effective against all four serotypes of dengue. Vaccine manufacturing has been a complex challenge due to the four different serotypes of dengue, but this indigenous effort has made it possible. This not only reflects India's scientific capability but will also strengthen the country's position in the global health sector.

Benefits of the vaccine

• Reduction in mortality rate: The use of the vaccine will significantly reduce deaths and severe cases due to dengue.
• Benefits for particularly at-risk groups: Children, the elderly and people with weak immunity will benefit the most from this vaccine.
• Reduction in burden on health services: Reduction in hospitalized cases will reduce pressure on health services.
• Promoting self-reliant India: The development of indigenous vaccine will enhance India's scientific and technological self-reliance.

Challenges and precautions

Even after the vaccine is introduced, mosquito control and cleanliness will remain important to prevent dengue. Measures such as cleanliness campaigns, preventing water stagnation and use of mosquito nets will still be important to prevent mosquito breeding. Vaccines do not guarantee complete protection from the disease, so awareness and caution remain important