India approves dengue vaccine, but four-strain immunity remains a hurdle
India has approved its first dengue vaccine, QDENGA (TAK-003) from Takeda for ages 4–60, given in two doses three months apart to protect against all four dengue serotypes. While the vaccine broadens protection and lowers the risk of severe dengue and hospitalization, it does not provide 100% immunity. Immunity is serotype-specific, and antibodies from one infection may not neutralize a different strain, raising the possibility of breakthrough infections. Vaccination should follow national guidelines and complement, not replace, mosquito control and preventive measures, with emphasis on early diagnosis and hydration to manage dengue.