WHO Authorizes Second Dengue Vaccine Amid Outbreaks In The Americas

The AP (5/15) reports, “The World Health Organization on Wednesday authorized a second dengue vaccine, a move that could provide protection for millions worldwide against the mosquito-borne disease that has already sparked numerous outbreaks across the Americas this year.” On Wednesday, the “agency said it approved the dengue vaccine made by the Japanese pharmaceutical [company] Takeda, recommending its use in children between six to 16 years old living in regions with high rates of dengue.” Reuters (5/15, Santhosh) reports, “Takeda’s vaccine, given in two doses over a three-month interval, protects against four serotypes of the dengue virus.”