Context
- The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved QDENGA (TAK-003), developed by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals, making it India’s first approved dengue vaccine for individuals aged 4–60 years.
About QDENGA (TAK-003)
- Developed by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals (Japan).
- Live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine.
- Provides protection against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4).
- Approved for individuals aged 4–60 years.
- Dosage: Two-dose schedule, administered 3 months apart.
- Can be given regardless of previous dengue infection (no pre-vaccination screening required).
What is a Tetravalent Vaccine?
- A tetravalent vaccine protects against four different strains (serotypes) of the same pathogen.
- Example: QDENGA protects against:
- DENV-1
- DENV-2
- DENV-3
- DENV-4
About Dengue
- Disease Type: Viral disease.
- Causative Agent: Dengue Virus (Flavivirus).
- Vector: Female Aedes aegypti mosquito (primary vector); Aedes albopictus is also a vector.
- Transmission: Bite of infected mosquito (not direct person-to-person).
- Incubation Period: 4–10 days.
- Symptoms
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle and joint pain (“Breakbone fever”)
- Skin rash
- Bleeding manifestations in severe cases
About Aedes Mosquito
- Bites mainly during daytime.
- Breeds in clean stagnant water.
- Common breeding sites:
- Water tanks
- Coolers
- Flower pots
- Tyres
- Coconut shells
| About Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Head of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Functions under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Responsible for approval of new drugs, vaccines, and clinical trials in India |
Q. Consider the following statements regarding QDENGA vaccine:
1. It is a live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine.
2. It protects against all four dengue virus serotypes.
3. Pre-vaccination screening is mandatory before administration.
4. It is administered in a two-dose schedule.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A. 1, 2 and 4 only
Statement 1 is correct: QDENGA (TAK-003) is a live-attenuated (weakened virus) vaccine and is tetravalent, meaning it provides protection against all four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4).
Statement 2 is correct: The vaccine is specifically designed to provide immunity against all four serotypes of the dengue virus, reducing the risk of severe dengue caused by secondary infection with a different serotype.
Statement 3 incorrect: One of the key advantages of QDENGA is that it does not require pre-vaccination screening. It can be administered regardless of whether a person has had a previous dengue infection, making it easier to implement in public immunisation programmes.
Statement 4 is correct: QDENGA is administered in two doses, with an interval of three months between the first and second doses.