Two dengue fever vaccines are currently licensed for use in Australia: Qdenga and Dengvaxia.
Qdenga gained approval for use in Australia in mid-March 2026 and was registered on 8 April 2026. Prior to approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Qdenga had been available under the Special Access Scheme (SAS).
Indonesia was the first country in the world to grant approval for Qdenga in August 2022. Approval quickly followed in the European Union (December 2022), the United Kingdom (February 2023), Brazil and Thailand. Qdenga is currently registered in more than 40 countries globally, and many travellers have already received the vaccine in Australia.
Several other dengue vaccines are in the pipeline.
Qdenga is a live attenuated vaccine. It is given in a 2-dose schedule with a 3-month interval. Protection is present from 14 days. The length of protection is yet to be defined but is likely more than 4 years.
Dengvaxia first gained regulatory approval in 2015 (3-dose vaccine, spaced 6 months apart). Regulatory approval was given in several countries for use in dengue endemic countries, but restricting its use to the age group 9 to 45 years. It was offered off-licence in Australia in 2019 and has been used in a very limited way ever since. There is no current availability in New Zealand.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a conditional recommendation in 2016 for Dengvaxia use in highly endemic areas, defined by a seroprevalence of 70% and above.
Analysis of the vaccine in 2017 showed there was an increased risk for vaccinated individuals to develop severe dengue in their first natural dengue infection after vaccination.
In the event of travel to a dengue-endemic or outbreak region, it is advisable to seek medical advice regarding the suitability of the dengue vaccination. This is determined on a case-by-case basis, particularly for individuals who have had dengue in the past.
According to the WHO, individuals aged 17 to 60 travelling from non-endemic countries to high burden areas might benefit from the vaccine if they have had previous dengue. Frequent travellers or long-term expatriates who may have experienced previous asymptomatic dengue might also benefit from vaccination.
Consideration of the vaccine should be discussed with a health professional, as the use of these vaccines is still in its early stages. For more on the WHO position, see Dengue risk in unexpected places - WHO update on vaccine use.
Not sure if a dengue vaccine is right for you? A telehealth consult with one of our travel doctors can help you decide. Suitability depends on your destination, length of stay, previous dengue exposure, and overall health. Book a travel health consultation to discuss your options before you travel.
