WHO approved TAK-003 (Qdenga) as 2nd dengue vaccine for children aged between 6 – 16 years.

• Developed by Japanese pharma giant Takeda can be administered in a two-dose schedule with a three-month interval between doses.
• The first dengue vaccine to be approved by WHO was Sanofi Pasteur’s Dengvaxia.
• Both dengue vaccines are at present not available in India.
• Panacea Biotec and Serum Institute of India are collaborating to conduct human trials of an indigenous dengue vaccine that has already successfully completed initial trials.

ABOUT DENGUE:

• Dengue is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people.
• It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates.
• Symptoms: High fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash.