In the UK, the dengue vaccine is available to a specific group of travellers rather than everyone visiting a dengue-risk destination. Current guidance focuses on people who've had dengue before and are returning to an area where it's found, with a smaller group of other travellers considered only after a detailed conversation with a travel health clinician. Most people planning their first trip to a dengue-risk country won't currently be eligible, which is why bite avoidance stays the main protection for most travellers — this page explains the guidance and how to find out where you stand.
Who is eligible for the dengue vaccine in the UK?
UK vaccine policy is set by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). NaTHNaC's dengue guidance states the JCVI has advised the licensed dengue vaccine can be considered for people aged 4 and over who have had a confirmed or likely dengue infection in the past and are either planning to travel to a country with a risk of dengue or an ongoing outbreak, or are exposed to the virus through their work, such as laboratory staff. In its most recent update, NaTHNaC also notes that vaccination may be considered for people without a previous dengue infection in some circumstances, following a detailed discussion with a travel health clinician experienced in weighing up the risks and benefits — so a first-time traveller isn't automatically ruled out, but it's a case-by-case decision rather than a default recommendation.
Because the vaccine contains a live, weakened form of the virus, it isn't suitable for anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or has a weakened immune system, whatever their previous dengue history.
Why aren't most first-time travellers eligible?
The main reason UK guidance is built around prior dengue infection is that a second dengue infection carries a higher risk of severe illness than a first one, so the vaccine's biggest benefit is for people who've already had it once and could be exposed again. Confirming a past infection isn't always straightforward either — NaTHNaC notes blood tests for previous dengue infection aren't 100 percent reliable, so a decision has to weigh up test results, likely past exposure and travel history together. This is also why the final decision on whether to vaccinate rests with a health professional after a proper risk assessment, rather than being available on request.
Is it worth getting the dengue vaccine?
That depends entirely on whether you're likely to be eligible and what your trip involves. If you've had a confirmed or likely dengue infection before and you're returning to a risk area, it's a conversation worth having with your pharmacist. If you haven't had dengue before, bite avoidance is currently your main protection regardless, and a consultation is still useful to check whether the newer guidance on vaccinating people without a prior infection could apply to your circumstances.
Is the dengue vaccine still available?
Yes, the licensed dengue vaccine remains available in the UK for people who meet the current JCVI criteria, and NaTHNaC continues to review country-specific guidance on where it can be considered. It isn't recommended for travel to areas where only sporadic local dengue cases have been reported, so eligibility also depends on your specific destination, not just your personal history.
What's the dengue vaccine schedule if I'm eligible?
Where the vaccine is appropriate, it's given as two doses three months apart, per the World Health Organization's guidance on dengue vaccines. Both doses should ideally be completed well before you travel, so this isn't a last-minute option — if you think you might be eligible, it's worth having the conversation ahead of booking flights.
How likely am I to get dengue in Thailand?
Dengue is one of the more common travel-related infections for UK travellers to South East Asia, spread by mosquitoes that bite mainly during the day. Our dedicated guide on the likelihood of getting dengue in Thailand covers the seasonal and regional risk in more detail. For most travellers there, especially first-timers, bite avoidance rather than vaccination will be the main protection available, alongside awareness of the symptoms to watch for after you return.
If you're also considering Japanese encephalitis vaccine in Edinburgh for the same trip, it's worth discussing both mosquito-borne risks at the same appointment, since prevention overlaps.
Mosquito bite avoidance for dengue
Since most travellers can't currently be vaccinated against dengue, bite avoidance carries most of the weight. NaTHNaC advises particular vigilance around dawn and dusk, since dengue-carrying mosquitoes feed mainly in daylight hours, plus DEET-based repellent, covering clothing, and screened or air-conditioned accommodation to reduce bites throughout the day, not just at night as with some other mosquito-borne diseases.
Because eligibility for the dengue vaccine is genuinely narrow right now, we spend most dengue-related appointments talking through bite avoidance and what symptoms to watch for after you're home — that's where most travellers get the most protection. — Emmanuel Ebube Umezulike, superintendent pharmacist
Booking a dengue vaccine eligibility consultation
If you think you may be eligible for the dengue vaccine, or want general advice on dengue risk for an upcoming trip, book a travel health consultation and bring details of any previous dengue diagnosis or blood test results you have. See our guide to where to get travel vaccinations in Edinburgh for branch details, or book online or call 0131 287 2020 to arrange an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a dengue vaccine in the UK?
Only if you meet current JCVI criteria — mainly people aged 4 and over with a confirmed or likely previous dengue infection who are travelling to, or working with, a dengue-risk area. Some people without a prior infection may now be considered after a detailed clinical discussion.
Is it worth getting the dengue vaccine?
It's worth discussing if you've had dengue before and are returning to a risk area. For most first-time travellers, current UK guidance means bite avoidance is the main protection, though a consultation can confirm whether you might still be considered.
Is the dengue vaccine still available?
Yes, the licensed dengue vaccine remains available in the UK for people meeting current JCVI eligibility criteria. It isn't recommended for areas where dengue cases are only sporadic, so your destination affects eligibility too.
Who can have the dengue vaccine?
Mainly people aged 4 and over with a confirmed or likely previous dengue infection, planning travel to a dengue-risk area or exposed through work such as laboratory research. It isn't suitable for pregnancy, breastfeeding or weakened immunity.
How likely am I to get dengue in Thailand?
Dengue is a genuine risk for travellers to Thailand and wider South East Asia, spread by day-biting mosquitoes. Risk varies by season and region — see our dedicated Thailand dengue guide for more detail, and use bite avoidance as your main protection.
What's the dengue vaccine schedule?
Where the vaccine is appropriate, it's given as two doses three months apart. Both doses should be completed well ahead of travel, so it isn't suitable as a last-minute option before a trip.
Why does UK guidance focus on people who've had dengue before?
A second dengue infection carries a higher risk of severe illness than a first, so the vaccine's clearest benefit is protecting people who've already had it and could be exposed again. Confirming past infection isn't always straightforward, which is why it's assessed case by case.
Sources
- Dengue — NaTHNaC (TravelHealthPro factsheet)
- Dengue vaccine position paper — World Health Organization
- Insect and tick bite avoidance — NaTHNaC (TravelHealthPro factsheet)
General information, not a substitute for a consultation. Your pharmacist will recommend what is right for you after assessing your health and plans.
