Dengue Fever Vaccination
Do I need the dengue vaccine?
Dengue is the world’s fastest-growing mosquito-borne infection, and — unlike malaria — the mosquitoes that carry it bite during the day and thrive in cities and resorts. We offer dengue vaccination at our clinic, and it’s available to all eligible travellers whether or not you’ve had dengue before:
| Traveller | Who should consider it | Doses & schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Advised Travel to outbreak & high-risk areas | Trips to Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam), South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean — especially during or after rainy seasons, or where outbreaks are reported. | 2 doses, 3 months apart — start 3–4 months before travel. |
| Advised Previous dengue infection | A second dengue infection carries a higher risk of severe disease — vaccination is particularly worthwhile if you’ve had dengue before. Mention it at your consultation. | Same 2-dose schedule. |
| Consider Longer stays, VFR & repeat visitors | Months abroad, family visits and travellers returning to dengue regions year after year get the most value from vaccination. | Same 2-dose schedule — once complete, it covers future trips too. |
| Not usually needed Short trips to low-risk areas | Brief city breaks outside dengue regions or in cool seasons — bite prevention alone is usually proportionate. | No vaccine needed — we’ll assess your itinerary honestly. |
Eligibility (age and health factors) is confirmed at your consultation. Vaccine prices are kept up to date on our travel clinic price list.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue is a viral infection spread by day-biting mosquitoes — the same species that thrive in urban areas, hotel gardens and beach resorts. Half the world’s population now lives in areas with dengue transmission, and cases among European travellers have risen sharply in recent years.
Most infections cause a week of high fever, severe headache, eye pain and the joint and muscle pain that earned dengue the name “breakbone fever”. A minority progress to severe dengue — bleeding, plasma leakage and shock — which is a medical emergency. Second infections carry a higher risk of severe disease.
There is no specific antiviral treatment — care is fluids and monitoring. Protection is two-layered: vaccination for eligible travellers, plus rigorous day-time bite prevention (50% DEET, covering up, screened rooms) which also defends you against the bites no vaccine covers.
How the dengue vaccine works
A live attenuated vaccine given as an injection — available at our Camberley clinic to all eligible travellers, with or without previous dengue infection:
| Traveller | Who should consider it | Doses & schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible adults & older children | Travel to dengue-risk regions — eligibility confirmed at consultation. | 2 doses, 3 months apart; complete before travel where possible. |
| Previously infected travellers | Vaccination is especially valuable after a first dengue infection. | Same 2-dose schedule. |
| Frequent travellers to dengue regions | One completed course covers repeat trips. | 2 doses, 3 months apart — then no routine boosters currently advised. |
Being a live vaccine, it isn’t suitable for everyone (pregnancy, weakened immune systems) — we screen carefully. Whatever your vaccination status, day-time bite prevention remains essential in dengue areas.
How our travel clinic works
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Choose a time that suits you — same-week appointments are usually available, and families can be seen together in one visit.
Personalised risk assessment
Your pharmacist reviews your itinerary, health history and previous vaccinations against current UK travel health guidance, and agrees a plan with you.
Course planned around your trip
If dengue vaccination is right for you, your first dose is given there and then, with dose two booked 3 months later — and your bite-prevention kit sorted in the same visit.
Where does dengue matter?
Dengue circulates across the tropics — these destination guides show where it changes your packing list:
Frequently asked questions
Can I have the dengue vaccine if I’ve never had dengue?
Yes — at our clinic the dengue vaccination is available to all eligible travellers, whether or not you’ve had dengue before. Eligibility is confirmed at your consultation.
How long before travel do I need to start the dengue vaccine?
The course is 2 doses given 3 months apart, so start 3–4 months before departure where possible. Travelling sooner? One dose still begins building protection — and we’ll plan dose two around your return.
Why does dengue matter more if I’ve had it before?
Second infections with a different dengue type carry a higher risk of severe disease — so a past infection is a reason to vaccinate, not to skip it. Tell us at your consultation.
Do malaria tablets protect against dengue?
No — different diseases, different mosquitoes. Dengue mosquitoes bite by day, so repellent and covering up matter around the clock; there are no tablets for dengue.
What are the symptoms of dengue?
High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes and intense joint and muscle pain, typically lasting about a week. Warning signs — persistent vomiting, bleeding, severe abdominal pain — need urgent medical care. See a doctor promptly if you develop fever during or after travel.
Rated by 1,200+ patients of our Camberley pharmacy and clinics.
GPhC registered pharmacy 1105418 · Superintendent pharmacist Jirina Thielens (GPhC 2069634).
This guide follows UK national travel health guidance (TravelHealthPro / NHS) and was last reviewed in August 2026. Recommendations can change — your consultation always reflects the latest advice.
Heading to the tropics? Plan dengue cover early.
Book your travel consultation at our Camberley clinic — dengue eligibility, both doses scheduled, and the rest of your travel health in one plan.
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