Dengue is spread by mosquitoes and can lead to a mild infection. The concern is, if the vaccine fails to fully protect, then there is a risk of making the person sick.
The researchers analyzed data from dengue vaccine trials involving over 30,000 people in 10 countries. The study found that although the dengue vaccine reduced illness and hospitalizations by up to 30 percent in areas of high transmission, it could also increase the risk of serious illness in areas with low transmission.
Co-lead author Dr. Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer said, “In vaccines, you hope for more than 30 percent success, but it’s the only vaccine available right now to slow dengue. If this vaccine is used correctly, many people could be spared illness and hospitalization from dengue. But we should make sure we only use it in places where our data suggest it will do more good than harm.”
“We should be careful in considering where and how to use this vaccine as there is still uncertainty about its impact,” concluded coauthor Derek Cummings.