Dengue fever is one of the most common reasons Australians come home from an overseas holiday with a fever. More than 1,900 dengue cases were reported in Australia in 2025, mostly in returned travellers, and the most common places Australians caught it over the past decade were Indonesia, Thailand and India.
A dengue vaccine, Qdenga, is now available through Australian doctors. This guide explains what dengue is, who the vaccine is recommended for, and how to lower your risk when you travel.
Key points
- Dengue is a viral infection spread by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical countries, including Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and the Pacific.
- Symptoms usually start 4 to 10 days after a bite and include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain and rash.
- A second dengue infection carries a higher risk of severe dengue, even years after the first.
- Qdenga is recommended for travellers aged 4 and over who have had dengue before, and for some people planning long or repeated stays in dengue areas.
- Qdenga is given as two doses at least 12 weeks apart, so talk to a travel doctor well before you go.
Wondering whether the dengue vaccine suits your trip? Talk it through with a TMA travel doctor.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. There are four types of dengue virus, which is why it is possible to have dengue more than once. Healthdirect notes that the mosquitoes that spread dengue bite throughout the day, so the evening-only precautions many travellers rely on are not enough.
Dengue is common across Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Pacific Islands, Central and South America and parts of Africa. Outbreaks are frequent in popular Australian destinations such as Bali.
Symptoms of dengue fever
According to Healthdirect, symptoms usually appear 4 to 10 days after being bitten and last 2 to 7 days. They can include:
- sudden high fever
- severe headache and pain behind the eyes
- muscle and joint pain
- a rash
- nausea, vomiting and tiredness
Some people have mild symptoms or none at all. A small number develop severe dengue, which can start 3 to 7 days after the first symptoms.
Warning signs of severe dengue
Get medical help straight away, or call 000 in Australia, if you or someone you are travelling with has dengue symptoms plus any of the following:
- severe abdominal pain
- persistent vomiting, or blood in vomit
- bleeding gums or unexpected bleeding
- rapid breathing
- restlessness or feeling very unwell
Why a second dengue infection matters
Having had dengue before, even many years ago, increases the risk of severe dengue if you are infected with a different type. This is an important point for Australians who travel regularly to Asia or the Pacific, and it is one of the main reasons the new vaccine is recommended for people with a past infection. If you think you may have had dengue on a previous trip, let your travel doctor know.
Is there a dengue vaccine in Australia?
Yes. Qdenga, made by Takeda, is registered in Australia for people aged 4 years and over and is available through Australian doctors. It is not on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or the National Immunisation Program, so there is a private cost.
An earlier dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, was only suitable for people who had already had dengue and is no longer registered for supply in Australia.
Who is Qdenga recommended for?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advises that Qdenga is recommended for people aged 4 and over who:
- have had a confirmed or likely dengue infection in the past and are travelling to a dengue area, or
- have not had dengue but are planning prolonged or repeated stays in dengue areas.
For short-term travellers who have never had dengue, vaccination can be considered after an individual discussion of the benefits and risks with a doctor. A one-week holiday is a different situation to a six-month posting, and your travel doctor can help you weigh it up.
How is Qdenga given?
Qdenga is given as two injections at least 12 weeks apart, and ATAGI advises that both doses are needed. Because of that gap, plan ahead if you are considering the vaccine, ideally three months or more before you travel. Your doctor can advise how to time your doses if you are leaving sooner.
Who should not have Qdenga?
Qdenga is a live vaccine. According to the product information, it is not suitable for people with weakened immune systems (including people on immunosuppressive treatment), people with HIV and impaired immune function, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pregnancy should be avoided for at least one month after vaccination. Your doctor will check your health history before recommending it.
How to avoid mosquito bites when you travel
Even if you have the vaccine, avoiding mosquito bites is still your main protection against dengue and other mosquito-borne infections such as Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya and Zika.
- Use a repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin, and reapply as directed.
- Pack repellent from home. Products sold overseas may not be tested to Australian standards.
- Wear loose, long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing, and socks and covered shoes where practical.
- Stay in accommodation with air conditioning or screens on windows and doors.
- Remember that daytime matters. Beaches, pools, markets and cafés are all places you can be bitten.
For more practical tips, read our guide to mosquito protection for travellers.
What to do if you get a fever while travelling or after you return
See a doctor if you develop a fever while travelling or after you get home, and tell them where you have been. A fever after travel can have many causes, including dengue, malaria and typhoid, and some need prompt treatment.
Healthdirect advises that there is no specific medicine for dengue. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use paracetamol for fever. Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get dengue more than once?
Yes. There are four types of dengue virus, and infection with one type does not protect you against the others. A second infection carries a higher risk of severe dengue.
How much does the dengue vaccine cost in Australia?
Qdenga is not funded on the PBS or the National Immunisation Program, so you pay privately for the vaccine and the consultation. Prices vary between clinics, so ask your clinic when you book.
Do I need the dengue vaccine for Bali?
It depends on your history and your plans. It is recommended if you have had dengue before, and can be considered for other travellers after talking with a doctor. Our Bali vaccinations guide covers the other vaccines to discuss for Bali.
How long before travel should I get the dengue vaccine?
Because the two doses are given at least 12 weeks apart, start the conversation with your travel doctor three months or more before you leave if you can.
Can children have the dengue vaccine?
Qdenga is approved for children from 4 years of age. Your doctor will talk through whether it suits your child and your trip.
Talk to a TMA travel doctor about dengue
Travel Medicine Alliance (TMA) clinics have substantial experience in travel medicine and can help you decide whether the dengue vaccine suits your trip, alongside the other vaccines and precautions for your destination. Find your nearest TMA clinic, make an appointment, or call 1300 42 11 42.
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Recommendations change, so speak with your doctor before you travel.
Sources
- Healthdirect: Dengue fever
- newsGP (RACGP): Dengue vaccine available in Australia
- ATAGI statement on the clinical use of Qdenga for Australians
- Takeda Australia: Qdenga now available in Australia
- SBS News and The Conversation: Planning a Bali holiday? There's a new vaccine to consider
- TGA: Dengvaxia registration cancelled
Talk to a TMA travel doctor about dengue and your other travel vaccines.
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