Dengue: faced with the increase in cases, the HAS recommends Qdenga vaccination for children and adults in the overseas territories. Decryption.
Why is vaccination against dengue fever becoming a priority overseas?
In a context where the dengue epidemics are increasing in the overseas territories, the High Authority of Health (HAS) has just made public its recommendations concerning the use of the Qdenga vaccine. This vaccine aims to prevent symptomatic dengue fever in the most vulnerable populations.
Or ? The Antilles, Guyana, Mayotte and Reunion are the main territories concerned.
For whom? Children aged 6 to 16 who have already been infected and adults aged 17 to 60 with comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, chronic illnesses, etc.).
Focus on Mayotte: a particularly tense situation
Mayotte is facing an alarming situation with recurrent epidemics of dengue fever, aggravated by climatic conditions favoring the proliferation of Aedes mosquitoes. Health infrastructures, already weakened, are being put to the test by the resurgence of cases.
Populations concerned:
Adults with comorbidities are particularly vulnerable to severe forms. Children aged 6 to 16, for whom the Qdenga vaccine is recommended, are facing an epidemic that is weighing heavily on families and schools.
To control the situation, HAS insists on the need to vaccinate eligible populations between two epidemic waves while strengthening individual protection measures.
Dengue: a viral disease to monitor closely
Dengue fever is transmitted to humans through the bites of Aedes mosquitoes. Asymptomatic in 50 to 90% of cases, it can however cause intense fevers, headaches, joint and muscle pain, and in severe cases, be life-threatening.
What are the risks?
Certain pathologies (immune depression, sickle cell disease, cardiopulmonary diseases, etc.) increase the risk of severe form. Reinfections with different serotypes of the virus (DENV-1 to DENV-4) are particularly dangerous.
The Qdenga vaccine: an effective but targeted solution
Marketed by the Takeda laboratory, the Qdenga vaccine has been available since 2022 for people aged 4 and over. Its strong points:
- Proven effectiveness against serotypes DENV-1 to DENV-3 in previously infected children.
- Reduction in dengue-related hospitalizations
However, in people who have never been infected (seronegative), the effectiveness of the vaccine remains insufficient, particularly for serotypes DENV-3 and DENV-4.
Who can get vaccinated against Dengue? HAS recommendations
The HAS recommends a two-dose vaccination schedule spread over three months, between two epidemic waves. Here are the priority populations:
- Children aged 6 to 16 with a history of dengue infection.
- Adults aged 17 to 60 with comorbidities, with or without history.
Special case: children with sickle cell disease without a history of dengue may be vaccinated on a case-by-case basis.
Essential medical supervision
Although generally well tolerated, the Qdenga vaccine requires particular vigilance:
- Vaccinated people should be monitored for 15 minutes after injection to prevent rare allergic reactions.
- People with sickle cell disease will be subject to close clinical monitoring to evaluate safety data.
Complete vaccination: barrier gestures against mosquitoes
Despite vaccination, it is essential to maintain protective measures against mosquitoes:
- Use of repellents.
- Wearing long clothes.
- Installation of mosquito nets.
The evolution of the epidemiological situation
The HAS emphasizes that its recommendations could be revised depending on scientific and epidemiological developments. In the meantime, the provision of targeted information for parents, adults and health professionals is encouraged.
In brief
Vaccination against dengue fever represents an important step to protect vulnerable populations in Overseas Territories, particularly in Mayotte where the situation remains tense. Thanks to the Qdenga vaccine, the HAS aims to reduce the risk of hospitalizations and serious forms among the most vulnerable. Hope for these territories often hit by successive epidemic waves.
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