Australian GP practices could order a dengue vaccine for the first time in October 2026. This page summarises what the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has said about who it is for, and where to read the official advice.
Tap what best fits. This shows which part of the published advice to read, not whether you should be vaccinated.
| Vaccine | Qdenga — dengue tetravalent vaccine, live (weakened), covering dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4. Sponsor: Takeda Pharmaceuticals Australia. |
| TGA registration | Registered on the ARTG on 8 April 2026 (decision 31 March 2026) for people aged 4 years and over. ARTG entries 484846 and 506646. |
| How it is given | Injection under the skin of the upper arm by a doctor or trained health professional. |
| Doses | Two doses. The TGA decision summary describes the second dose 3 months after the first; ATAGI advises at least 12 weeks apart and says both doses are essential for the level and duration of protection. |
| Boosters | Not enough evidence yet to recommend booster doses (ATAGI, as reported). |
| What the TGA reviewed | In a large trial across 8 countries, children aged 4 to 16 who had the vaccine had about an 80% reduction in confirmed dengue cases between 30 days and 12 months after the second dose compared with placebo, and fewer hospitalisations up to 18 months. Antibody levels stayed above pre-vaccination levels for up to 51 months. |
| Common side effects | Injection-site pain or redness, headache, muscle pain, feeling unwell, weakness and fever. Usually mild to moderate, settling within a few days, and less frequent after the second dose (TGA). See the consumer medicine information for the full list. You can report a side effect to the TGA. |
| Who may not be able to have it | As reported, ATAGI advises it is contraindicated in immunocompromised people and not recommended in pregnancy (it may be considered after individual risk–benefit assessment if travel is unavoidable). Routine blood tests for past dengue infection are not recommended. The product information lists all precautions, including timing with other live vaccines. Tell your provider about your health and medicines. |
| Where dengue is common | Southern Asia, South and Central America, sub-Saharan Africa and the Pacific (AusDoc). |
| Availability | Available for GP practices to order from October 2026, on private prescription. Stock and lead times vary, so ask your provider. |
| Cost and funding | Not funded under the National Immunisation Program. Private cost is indicative only: roughly $165–$185 per dose, and two doses are needed, so about $330–$370 in total. This is an AskMyGP estimate based on what a clinic pays for the vaccine plus a small allowance for handling, not a published price. Clinics set their own fees and may add a consultation charge, so confirm with your provider. |
Enter the date of dose 1 (or the date you plan to have it) to see the dates for dose 2 under ATAGI’s “at least 12 weeks” interval and the TGA’s “3 months” interval. Your provider will confirm the actual schedule.
If you are travelling, ATAGI says both doses matter, so allow for the full interval before you leave. Ask your travel clinic how this fits your dates.
Dengue is spread by mosquitoes, which also spread other diseases. Insect repellent, long loose clothing and reducing exposure around dawn and dusk remain part of how travellers lower their risk. See Travel health and the travel medical checklist.
Yes. Qdenga (dengue tetravalent vaccine, live attenuated; sponsor Takeda) was registered by the TGA on 8 April 2026 for people aged 4 years and over, and became available for Australian GP practices to order in October 2026 on private prescription (AusDoc, RACGP newsGP, Medical Republic). Ask your GP or travel clinic whether and when they can supply it.
As reported by RACGP newsGP (5 October 2026), ATAGI recommends it for people aged 4 years and over with a confirmed or likely history of dengue who are travelling to dengue-endemic areas, and for people without a dengue history who are planning prolonged or repeated visits. It can be considered for people aged 4 and over without a dengue history who are planning short-term travel, based on an individual risk-benefit assessment. During a local outbreak it can be given on the advice of public health authorities. Read the full ATAGI statement for details.
Two doses. The TGA decision summary describes the second dose 3 months after the first, and ATAGI advises at least 12 weeks apart, saying both doses are essential for the level and duration of protection. There is not yet enough evidence to recommend booster doses (as reported by RACGP newsGP).
It is not funded under the National Immunisation Program and is supplied on private prescription. An indicative private cost is roughly $165 to $185 per dose, with two doses needed (about $330 to $370 in total). This is an AskMyGP estimate based on what a clinic pays for the vaccine plus a small allowance for handling, not a published price. Clinics set their own fees and may add a consultation charge, so confirm the cost with your provider.
As reported by Medical Republic, ATAGI does not recommend routine blood tests (serology) to check for past dengue infection before vaccination. Your clinician will talk through your history and travel plans.
As reported, ATAGI advises it is contraindicated in people who are immunocompromised and not recommended in pregnancy, though it may be considered after an individual risk-benefit assessment if travel to a dengue-endemic area is unavoidable. The TGA product information lists all contraindications and precautions.
Dengue is spread by mosquitoes, and bite avoidance remains part of how people reduce their risk. Your GP or travel clinic can explain how vaccination and bite avoidance fit together for your trip.