Government postpones dengue vaccination program for Caribbean islands

THE HAGUE – The Dutch government has decided not to introduce a large-scale dengue (breakbone fever) vaccination program for the Caribbean islands of the Kingdom for the time being.

The decision follows advice from the Health Council, which concluded that although dengue poses a real public health concern in the region, there are still too many uncertainties about the vaccine’s effectiveness and safety.

Too many uncertainties

According to the government, key questions remain unanswered. The vaccine’s effectiveness varies depending on the virus strain, and real-world data is still limited. Protection also appears to be lower in people who have never had dengue before.

Experts have also warned of a potential risk: in individuals without prior infection, vaccination could in some cases lead to a more severe course of the disease after infection. In addition, there is insufficient data on how many residents of the islands have already been exposed to dengue.

No rollout for now

Based on these concerns, the government has adopted the Health Council’s advice and will not implement a vaccination program in the Caribbean Netherlands, at this stage.

The other Caribbean countries within the Kingdom, such as Curaçao and Aruba, have received the advice but will decide independently whether to follow it.

More research needed

The Ministry of Health stresses that more insight is needed into: The level of existing immunity among residents, the actual burden of disease and the real-world effectiveness and safety of the vaccine.

If new evidence becomes available, the government will seek updated advice from the Health Council.

Dengue remains a concern

Dengue continues to circulate in the Caribbean and can range from mild illness to severe, life-threatening disease. For now, prevention, such as controlling mosquito populations and avoiding bites, remains the primary strategy on the Caribbean islands.