Jasins Pharmacy
As global travel continues to rise, so does the importance of protecting your health abroad. One of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses affecting travellers in tropical and subtropical regions is dengue fever. Fortunately, a dengue fever shot is now available to help protect those at risk. At Jasins Pharmacy in Hounslow, we provide expert travel health advice and vaccinations, helping you stay safe and healthy wherever you go.
What Is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which are most active during the day. The virus is common in parts of Asia, South America, Africa, and the Caribbean, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. While many people recover fully, dengue can sometimes cause severe complications, known as severe dengue or dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be life-threatening without medical care.
Common Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Symptoms usually appear 4–10 days after a mosquito bite and can last up to a week. They may include:
- High fever (often reaching 40°C)
- Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain (“breakbone fever”)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Skin rash appearing a few days after fever onset
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever, which makes prevention — including vaccination and mosquito protection — essential for travellers.
What Is the Dengue Fever Shot?
The dengue fever shot is a vaccine developed to protect against the dengue virus. It helps the immune system build defences against the four strains of the virus, significantly reducing the risk of severe illness if exposed. The most recent and widely available vaccine is known as Qdenga, which can be given to individuals who have or have not previously been infected with dengue.
Qdenga offers broad protection and is suitable for both adults and children over a certain age (typically 4 years and above). It’s an important step forward for travellers visiting areas where dengue transmission is frequent or ongoing.
Who Should Consider the Dengue Vaccine?
The dengue vaccine is recommended for travellers and residents visiting or living in regions where dengue fever is common. You should consider getting vaccinated if you:
- Plan to travel to tropical or subtropical regions such as Southeast Asia, Central or South America, or parts of Africa and the Caribbean
- Will be spending extended periods outdoors or in rural and urban areas with poor mosquito control
- Have a history of dengue infection and want additional protection against reinfection
- Live or work in dengue-endemic areas for long durations
Before getting the vaccine, it’s important to discuss your travel plans and medical history with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s appropriate for you.
The Vaccination Process
The Qdenga dengue vaccine is administered in two doses, given approximately three months apart. This two-dose schedule provides long-term immunity against all four types of the dengue virus. To be fully protected before travel, it’s best to start your vaccination course at least three months before your trip.
Even if you’re travelling sooner, receiving the first dose still offers partial protection and is better than remaining unvaccinated. Our pharmacists at Jasins Pharmacy can guide you on the most suitable schedule for your travel plans.
Possible Side Effects
The dengue fever vaccine is generally safe and well tolerated. As with most vaccines, side effects are usually mild and temporary. These may include:
- Pain or redness at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Headache or tiredness
- Muscle pain or general discomfort
Severe reactions are extremely rare, but if you experience persistent symptoms after vaccination, you should contact a healthcare professional for advice.
Other Ways to Prevent Dengue Fever
While vaccination offers strong protection, it’s still important to avoid mosquito bites — especially during daylight hours when Aedes mosquitoes are most active. Here are some preventive steps you can take:
- Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers to reduce exposed skin
- Sleep under mosquito nets, even in air-conditioned rooms
- Use screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes entering
- Avoid standing water where mosquitoes breed, such as plant pots and containers
These simple precautions, combined with vaccination, provide the best possible defence against dengue infection.
Why Get Your Dengue Fever Shot at Jasins Pharmacy in Hounslow?
At Jasins Pharmacy, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive travel health services that make it easy to prepare for your trip safely. Our experienced pharmacists offer professional travel consultations, ensuring you receive the right vaccinations and preventive advice for your destination.
Our Travel Health Services Include:
- Dengue Fever Vaccination: Safe and effective protection against dengue virus.
- Travel Vaccinations: Including typhoid, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, and more.
- Expert Advice: Personalised travel health recommendations based on your itinerary.
- Convenient Appointments: Quick, flexible booking options to fit your schedule.
Our pharmacy team provides trusted, regulated care — giving you confidence that your travel vaccinations meet the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.
Protect Your Health Before You Travel
Dengue fever is a serious illness that can disrupt your trip and put your health at risk. With the dengue fever shot, you can travel confidently knowing you’ve taken an important step towards prevention. Whether you’re visiting family abroad, going on holiday, or travelling for work, Jasins Pharmacy in Hounslow can help you stay protected.
Book now to arrange your dengue fever vaccination and prepare for safe, worry-free travel with expert care from Jasins Pharmacy.
This blog was written on behalf of Jasins Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
