Clinical advice: ATAGI statement on use of Dengvaxia® for Australians

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has provided advice to support immunisation providers in their use of Dengvaxia® for Australians.

The ATAGI advice indicates:

• the dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia®, is NEVER indicated for primary prevention of initial dengue infection
• Dengvaxia® is potentially harmful and should not be used in people who have never had a dengue infection
• Dengvaxia® should only be used to prevent subsequent, more serious secondary infections in specific groups
• vaccination in individuals who do not have laboratory, clinical, and epidemiological evidence consistent with previous dengue infection appears to increase the risk of hospitalisation and serious disease
• Australian travellers are NOT recommended to receive Dengvaxia® for short-term stays in dengue-endemic areas, even in people who have had previous dengue infection, as the risks outweigh any potential benefits
• vaccination with Dengvaxia® should only be considered for Australians on very rare occasions when all of the following conditions are met:
  • aged 9-45 years; AND
  • have had previous dengue infections; AND
  • are intending to reside in highly dengue-endemic regions for an extended period; AND
  • only if the potential benefits are deemed to outweigh the risks.

Please see ATAGI’s clinical advice on Dengvaxia® for Australians in full.