Takeda dengue vaccine approved in Vietnam

"The Ministry of Health’s approval of the dengue vaccine in Vietnam marks a significant milestone in our collective fight against this mosquito-borne disease and is a pivotal moment for both Takeda and public health in the country," said Katharina Geppert, country manager of Takeda Vietnam.

"Given the substantial health risk posed by dengue in the country, vaccine as an additional preventive tool to complement the existing measures in the integrated management of dengue holds great hope for reducing the burden of the disease. We will continue collaborating with regulatory agencies, healthcare professionals, medical societies, academia, government agencies and other partners to make the dengue vaccine widely available and combat the growing burden of dengue in Vietnam," Geppert said.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that poses a significant global public health threat, with prevalence in over 125 countries.

In late December 2023, at a conference summarising disease prevention activities in the southern region of Vietnam, the Ministry of Health (MoH) representative highlighted the looming threat of a dengue fever epidemic in 2024, after the MoH reported a significant increase in dengue fever cases in Hanoi compared to Ho Chi Minh City in 2023, signalling a concerning trend.

On April 25, the MoH announced that the country has recorded over 16,000 cases of dengue fever, with one reported death. Meanwhile, the Department of Preventive Medicine under the MoH, recently announced that Vietnam was affected by all four types of the Dengue virus. In 2023, type DENV-2 accounted for 88 per cent of cases, while in 2024, it accounted for 70 per cent.

Associate Professor Pham Quang Thai, deputy head ofthe Communicable Diseases Department under the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said that the significant economic and societal impact of dengue, extending beyond health risks to affect individuals and communities.

"Dengue fever is very different from other infectious diseases, as it puts the entire population at risk, regardless of age or prior to the disease exposure. Treatment costs can strain household incomes, while long-term psychological effects and social security implications further compound the challenges. The escalating number of dengue patients has placed immense pressure on healthcare facilities in the country," said Dr. Thai.

"Apart from vector control, early detection, proper organisation of treatment, and strengthening of facilities and equipment are crucial in saving lives and reducing the mortality rate, the approval of the dengue vaccine is very much welcomed as it will enhance the methods for preventing and protecting the people of Vietnam from dengue," he added.

The vaccine is anticipated to be available in vaccination centres across Vietnam, starting September.

To-date, Takeda’s dengue vaccine has been approved in more than 30 countries, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. The vaccine has also been introduced into the National Immunisation Programmes of Brazil and Argentina.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments, guided by its commitment to patients, people and the planet.

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