A new vaccine for dengue received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO) on 10 May 2024.
- TAK-003 is the second dengue vaccine to be prequalified by WHO. The first such dengue vaccine is CYD-TDV vaccine developed by Sanofi Pasteur.
- Developed by Takeda, TAK-003 is a live-attenuated vaccine containing weakened versions of the four serotypes of the virus that cause dengue.
- WHO recommends the use of TAK-003 in children aged 6–16 years in settings with high dengue burden and transmission intensity.
- The vaccine should be administered in a 2-dose schedule with a 3-month interval between doses. Dengue is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.
- Severe dengue is a potentially lethal complication which can develop from dengue infections.
- WHO vaccines prequalification is a service provided to UNICEF and other UN agencies that procure vaccines. The goal of WHO vaccines prequalification is to ensure that vaccines used in immunization programmes are safe and effective.
