Tamil Nadu Launches India’s First Dengue Vaccine Pilot

Kadayanallur: Tamil Nadu has launched a pilot dengue vaccination drive using Qdenga, a vaccine developed by pharmaceutical company Takeda, to assess its effectiveness in a high-incidence area. Health Minister K. G. Arunraj announced the initiative on October 17, with findings expected to help guide decisions on wider implementation.

The vaccine will be evaluated in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Epidemiology. The pilot aims to assess its effectiveness under local conditions, while authorities emphasise that mosquito control and timely medical care remain essential. The WHO recommends Qdenga for children aged 6–16 in areas with high dengue transmission, as part of an integrated prevention strategy.