Last Updated on May 24, 2024 by The Health Master
Dengue
A new weapon in the fight against dengue has been prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 10, 2024.
The TAK-003 vaccine, developed by Takeda, marks a significant step forward in protecting children aged 6-16 years living in areas with high dengue burden.
What is TAK-003 and How Does it Work?
TAK-003 is a live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains weakened versions of all four serotypes of the dengue virus.
This allows the body to develop immunity against the disease without experiencing the full-blown illness.
The vaccine is administered in a two-dose schedule with a three-month interval between doses.
Expanding Access to Dengue Protection
“The prequalification of TAK-003 is a crucial step in making dengue vaccines more widely available globally,” says Dr. Rogerio Gaspar, WHO Director for Regulation and Prequalification.
With this prequalification, TAK-003 becomes eligible for procurement by UN agencies like UNICEF and PAHO, ensuring it reaches communities most in need.
Dengue: A Growing Threat
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can cause severe illness, including a potentially life-threatening complication known as severe dengue.
- Global Impact:
- Estimated cases: Over 100-400 million annually
- At-risk population: 3.8 billion people living in endemic areas (primarily Asia, Africa, and the Americas)
- Highest reported cases: 2023 (4.5 million cases and 2300 deaths in the Americas alone)
The Future of Dengue Prevention
The prequalification of TAK-003 adds to the existing CYD-TDV vaccine, offering more options for combating dengue.
As Dr. Gaspar emphasizes, “we look forward to more vaccine developers coming forward” to further expand the fight against this growing public health threat.
Climate change and urbanization are predicted to increase and widen the geographical spread of dengue, making advancements in prevention crucial.
This is a significant development in the fight against dengue. Talk to your doctor if you live in a dengue-endemic area and are interested in protecting your children with the TAK-003 vaccine.
Please note:
- This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.
- Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding vaccinations.
Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
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