1. What is dengue vaccine?
How many times should a pupil get
Dengue vaccine is used to help protect a child
against dengue caused by dengue virus serotypes 1,2,3,
and 4. It is administered via subcutaneous injection in
the upper arm (deltoid).
2. Is the vaccine effective to prevent dengue were reported to have the highest number of dengue
disease?
Yes. Based on clinical studies conducted in
countries across Southeast Asia and Latin America, the
vaccine has shown to be:
• effective in preventing severe dengue by 93.2%,
• effective in preventing hospitalized form of dengue the 2nd dose
by 80.8%,
• and effective in preventing dengue due to any sero 6 months after the 2nd dose with a
type by 65.6%.
Reminder:
Just like any other vaccine, the dengue vaccine may
not protect all the persons who have been vaccinated
and may not provide 100% protection to vaccinees.
Dengue vaccination is not a substitute for
protection against mosquito bites, and vaccinees are still
encouraged to take appropriate precautions to prevent
mosquito bites.
3. Who should receive the vaccine?
Children nine (9) years and older enrolled in
Grade IV for the school year 2015-2016 in public schools
in Regions III, IV-a, and NCR will be vaccinated.
4.
vaccinated?
Each pupil should complete the three (3) doses
of the dengue vaccine following the recommended
immunization schedule:
DOSES MONTHS
1st dose
At the time of first visit of the health
worker
6 months after the 1st dose was given
with a window period of 20 days before
2nd dose
or after the target vaccination date for
3 dose
rd
window of 20 days before or after the
target vaccination date for the 3rd dose
5. Where can we get the vaccine?
The Department of Health (DOH) will provide the
vaccine for enrolled pupils nine (9) years and older and
are in Grade IV in all public schools in Regions III, IV-A
and NCR for the school-based immunization. Those who
are not qualified to be vaccinated under the program
can avail of the vaccine from their private doctors.
6. Is the vaccine given for free?
Yes. The DOH in partnership with the Department
of Education and the Department of Interior and Local
Government will provide FREE vaccination to all Grade
IV pupils nine (9) years and older in all public schools in
Regions III, IV-A, and NCR starting April 2016.
7. Will it be distributed nationwide? If not,
how were the priority areas selected?
The dengue vaccine shall be initially introduced
in Regions III, IV-A, and NCR. These three (3) regions
cases.
8. Who should NOT receive the vaccine?
Dengue tetravalent vaccine is not recommended
for the following individuals:
• Children less than nine (9) years of age and
adults above 45 years of age
• Anyone who is allergic or has had an
allergic reaction to a prior dose or to any
component of the dengue vaccine
• Immunocompromised individuals, due
to but not limited to genetic defects, HIV
infections, or therapies that affect immune
system such as high dose costicosteroids or
chemotherapy
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
9. If the pupil had past dengue infection, can
they still avail of the vaccine?
Yes. Dengue disease is caused by 4 serotypes.
Natural infection caused by one of the 4 serotypes
confers lifelong immunity from that specific serotype
but not from the other serotypes. Dengue vaccination
can still provide protection against dengue disease from
the other serotypes.
 Below are some suggestions on how to manage
10. What are the possible reactions from some mild and temporary reactions:
being vaccinated?
FEVER
Like all medicines, the dengue vaccine may cause
• Keep the child comfortable at all times
the following mild and temporary reactions which are
• Encourage the child to drink plenty of water
manageable.
• Give paracetamol every 4 hours until fever
The following reactions were reported during subsides
the clinical studies in children, adolescents, and adults.
SWELLING
Most of the reported temporary and mild reactions
occurred within the 3 days after injection of the vaccine. • Apply alternately cold and warm compress every 15
minutes using clean cloth until swelling disappears
Very common (may affect more than 1 user in 10):
on the injection site
- Headache - Muscle pain • Do not massage the injection site
- Generally feeling unwell - Feeling of weakness
- Injection site pain - Fever RASHES

Common (may affect up to 1 user in 10): • Once rashes appear, bring the child immediately to
- Injection site/reactions; redness, bruising, swelling, the nearest health facility for consultation
and itching FAINTING
Uncommon: (may affect up to 1 user in 100): • Ensure that the child has eaten before vaccination
- Infections of the upper respiratory tract • Keep the child lying down with his/her feet slightly
- Dizziness - Sore throat elevated
- Runny nose - Nausea
- Cough - Lymphadenopathy These mild and temporary reactions usually
- Migraine - Rash occur after the injection is given, or while the vaccinee
- Urticaria - Neck pain (individual) is still in the vaccination area. These can also
- Arthralgia - Injection site induration occur up to 14 days after vaccination. If the vaccinee
- Influenza like illness experiences any of these, seek the attention of health
personnel immediately. Serious allergic reactions are
very rare after receiving any vaccine.

DOH Hotline: 711-1001 to 02