India is preparing to introduce QDENGA (TAK-003), the country's first dengue vaccine, with availability expected in the private healthcare market in the first half of 2027.
Developed by Japanese drugmaker Takeda, QDENGA is designed to protect against the four types of dengue virus that can cause the disease. India's drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), approved the vaccine in July 2026 for people aged 4 to 60 years.
How Does QDENGA Work?
Dengue is caused by four closely related types of virus. QDENGA is designed to train the body's immune system to recognise and fight all four types.
The weakened viruses in the vaccine stimulate the immune system to make a response to the virus without causing dengue in healthy people. This response may help the body fight the dengue virus if people are exposed to dengue in the future.
QDENGA is also called TAK-003. It contains a weakened form of the virus that causes dengue type-2 as the foundation for the vaccine; the vaccine has been altered to protect against all four types of dengue virus. As of July 2026, it has been approved by regulators in 42 countries and has been prequalified by WHO.
How Many Doses Will Be Needed?
QDENGA is given as a two-dose course, with the second dose administered three months after the first. The vaccine is administered by injection.
One notable feature is that vaccination does not require screening to determine whether a person has previously had dengue. Reuters reported that QDENGA can be used irrespective of prior dengue infection.
Who Can Get The Vaccine In India?
CDSCO's approval covers people aged 4 to 60 years for prevention of dengue disease. The approval is specific to India's regulatory framework and is broader than the current WHO recommendation, which focuses on children aged 6-16 years living in settings with high dengue transmission.
The vaccine is expected to be introduced through the private healthcare market. Takeda has signed an agreement with Dr Reddy's Laboratories for the promotion and distribution of QDENGA in India.
Dengue Cases And Deaths In The Past Five Years
Data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) shows that dengue has remained a recurring public health concern in India, with deaths reported every year. The country recorded 346 dengue deaths in 2021, 303 in 2022, 485 in 2023, 297 in 2024 and 131 in 2025. The data available till February 28, 2026, shows 10 dengue deaths so far this year. Overall, 1,572 people died of dengue between 2021 and 2025, according to NCVBDC data.
When Will QDENGA Be Available In India?
CDSCO approved QDENGA in July 2026, but the vaccine will not be available immediately. According to Dr Reddy's, QDENGA is expected to be available in India in the first half of 2027.
The vaccine will add another layer of protection against dengue, but existing measures such as mosquito control, disease monitoring, early diagnosis and timely treatment will continue.
Will QDENGA Replace Mosquito Control?
The introduction of QDENGA would not replace current measures to control transmission of the disease. Control of mosquito breeding sites, removal of stagnant water, surveillance and early diagnosis and treatment will still be important to limit transmission of the disease.
The WHO recommends that vaccination be considered alongside other public-health measures, particularly in areas with high dengue transmission and disease burden.