Use of the new dengue vaccine Qdenga in Germany For whom and when?

Infections with mosquito-borne pathogens are on the rise worldwide, with dengue virus (DENV) infections leading the way. In the last two decades the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded a tenfold increase in dengue cases worldwide, with 5.2 million cases reported in 2019. Until now, travellers have only been able to protect themselves from mosquito bites by taking individual measures (repellents, wearing long clothing). Vector control measures in endemic areas (e.g., by reducing open water reservoirs) reduce the local reproduction and spread of mosquitos. Since spring 2023, a dengue vaccine is available in Germany that is approved for people aged 4 years and older. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute recommends its use for travellers before exposure in the endemic country if they have previously had a laboratory confirmed DENV infection. As it cannot be ruled out based on the currently available data that the vaccination may lead to an increased severity of infection in dengue-naive people, the STIKO does not currently recommend the vaccination for people who have not yet had a confirmed DENV infection.