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Administering the Dengue Vaccine
Sanofi-Pasteur will stop manufacturing its dengue vaccine for children. The manufacturer is discontinuing the vaccine citing a lack of demand in the global market to continue production of this vaccine. CDC, in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Department of Health, will continue alerting health professionals about the discontinuation of Dengvaxia and the use of this vaccine as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Dengvaxia is safe and effective when administered as recommended. There are two other dengue vaccines either approved or in late stages of development. However, they are not currently available in the United States. People can continue to protect themselves and their families from dengue by preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquitoes in and around their homes.
This page provides a brief summary of guidance for administering the Dengvaxia dengue vaccine, including route, number of doses, and co-administration with other vaccines.
Visual Inspection
Do not use dengue vaccine, lyophilized vaccine antigen, and saline diluent after the expiration date shown on the vial labels.
Prior to administration, visually inspect the vaccine for particulate matter and/or discoloration. Discard the vial if the solution is cloudy or contains particles other than trace amounts of white to translucent particles.
After reconstitution, administer Dengvaxia immediately or store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and use within 30 minutes. Discard reconstituted vaccine if not used within 30 minutes.
Route, Site, and Needle Size
Administer Dengvaxia by the subcutaneous route. The preferred site for children and adolescents is into the fatty tissue overlying the triceps muscle (posterior upper arm) using the appropriate needle length for the age and size of the person receiving the vaccine. The correct needle size for subcutaneous injections is ⅝”, 23–25 gauge.
- Dosage: 0.5 mL per dose
- Route: Subcutaneous
Number and Timing of Doses
Administer the Dengvaxia vaccine to children aged 9 through 16 years old who have laboratory confirmation of a previous dengue virus infection. Each child requires 3 doses, each dose given 6 months apart (at 0, 6, and 12 months).
Predrawing Vaccine Doses
Do not predraw vaccine doses. There are no data on the stability of vaccines stored in syringes filled by healthcare professionals. Do not open vaccine vials until time of administration.
After reconstitution, Dengvaxia should be administered within 30 minutes. If not used within 30 minutes, discard the vaccine.
Administration with Other Vaccines
Trials have evaluated co-administration of Dengvaxia with other vaccines, including yellow fever, diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP), inactivated polio, Haemophilus influenzae types b and a, and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). No safety issues have been reported.
Vaccine providers should follow best practice guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which states that injectable, live-attenuated vaccines not administered simultaneously should be separated by at least 4 weeks.
Immunization Schedules
Dengvaxia Vaccine Information Statement
Vaccine Safety
Package Insert