ISLAMABAD: As dengue has been spreading in a number of countries across the world, a new vaccine for the mosquito-borne disease has received pre-qualification from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“TAK-003 is the second dengue vaccine to be pre-qualified by WHO. Developed by Takeda, a Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company, it is a live-attenuated vaccine containing weakened versions of the four serotypes of the virus that cause dengue,” a statement issued by WHO said.

The world health body has recommended the use of vaccine in children aged 6–16 years in settings with high dengue burden and transmission intensity. The vaccine should be administered in a two-dose schedule with a three-month interval between the doses.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2024