Dengue remains one of Malaysia’s most persistent public health threats, mirroring global trends, with more than 14 million cases reported across over 100 countries in 2024.
In Malaysia, 120,000 cases were reported in 2023 alongside rising hospital admissions. As of mid-2025, cumulative cases were 59 per cent lower than the same period in 2024, but deaths increased by 17 per cent, reaching 117. Selangor continues to report the highest burden, with over 12,000 cases as of June 2025.
Recovery from one dengue strain does not protect against others, leaving Malaysians vulnerable to repeat infections and severe disease. Despite decades of mosquito control measures, dengue continues to resurge, prompting growing interest in vaccination as part of a integrated long-term prevention strategy.
The Vaccine Landscape
Malaysia approved Takeda’s TAK-003 (brand name Qdenga) in February 2024. It is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine that protects against all four dengue virus serotypes and can be given to individuals aged 4 years and above.
Currently, Qdenga is available in the private sector, but it has not yet been added to Malaysia’s National Immunisation Programme (NIP).
Why Isn’t Qdenga In The NIP Yet?
The Ministry of Health (MOH) notes that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mass vaccination only when at least 60 per cent of the target age group has prior dengue exposure. Malaysia has not yet reached that threshold among younger populations.
As a result, vaccine use remains cautious, limited to private uptake while the government monitors cost-effectiveness, seroprevalence, and safety outcomes.
Efficacy And Long Term Data
Qdenga is the most comprehensively studied dengue vaccine, tested in over 60,000 participants worldwide. In the pivotal Phase 3 TIDES trial (20,000 children/adolescents, ages 4 to 16):
After 12 months: 80% efficacy against confirmed dengue; 90% against hospitalisation.
Over 3 years: 62 per cent protection against infection; 83 per cent against hospitalisation.
At 4.5 years: 61 per cent against infection; 84 per cent against hospitalisation.
Protection against symptomatic infection wanes slightly over time, but protection against severe disease remains strong for several years.
Booster Dose: Latest Data
As of November 2025, the latest press release regarding the booster studies confirm that Qdenga’s two-dose regimen continues to provide sustained protection.
A booster given at 4.5 years minimally increased overall efficacy from 61 to 74 per cent , against infection and consistently high at 84 to 90.6 per cent against preventing dengue-related hospitalisation after the booster dose. No new safety concerns were observed. Overall efficacy was seen across all four dengue virus serotypes through seven years.
For now, Malaysia maintains the two-dose schedule (0 and 3 months apart) with no booster required. Any future booster strategy will depend on local data, viral serotype shifts, and long-term immunity.
What This Means For Malaysia
The approval of Qdenga marks a milestone in Malaysia’s dengue-control journey. It offers strong protection against hospitalisation and could significantly reduce disease burden if integrated wisely into national strategies.
However, a public rollout will require careful consideration of epidemiological data, funding, and health-system capacity. Vaccination alone cannot replace vector control, it must also complement initiatives such as Wolbachia-infected mosquito releases and community education.
For now, Malaysians aged 4 and above can choose to be vaccinated privately, while policymakers evaluate how to bring this protection to everyone.
With vigilant monitoring and coordinated action, Malaysia stands on the threshold of a new era in dengue prevention — one guided by science, strategy, and sustained hope.
Dr Rakhee Yadav is a paediatrician at Damansara Specialist Hospital.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
