Dengue Fever Vaccination

About this service

Dengue is one of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses in the tropics, and for most UK travellers there is no vaccine available. There is, however, a vaccine for people who have had a laboratory confirmed dengue infection in the past and are returning to areas where it is common. Our Berkeley travel clinic can assess whether this applies to you and plan the course around your trip.

Because the course is two doses three months apart, it needs planning well in advance, so the earlier you get in touch the better. We welcome travellers from across Gloucestershire, including Dursley, Cam, Thornbury and the surrounding villages, and we will give you honest advice if the vaccine is not appropriate for you, with a strong focus on bite avoidance instead.

What dengue is

Dengue is a viral illness spread by Aedes mosquitoes that bite mainly during the day. It causes high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain and a rash, and a small number of people develop severe dengue, which is a medical emergency.

It is found across South and South East Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands and parts of Africa. The vaccine used in the UK is given only to people who have had a laboratory confirmed dengue infection in the past, because it is not recommended for people who have never had dengue. The course is two doses three months apart, so it needs planning well in advance. It is licensed from 4 years of age.

Who this service is for

How it works

A simple, consistent process for every service at Berkeley Pharmacy.

What to expect at your appointment

Your appointment begins with a detailed travel health risk assessment, including evidence of previous dengue infection. We give you a clear explanation of why the vaccine is restricted in this way, so you understand the reasoning behind the guidance.

• If suitable, the first injection is given into the upper arm
• Your second appointment is booked before you leave
• A written record and, with your consent, a note to your GP
• Honest advice if the vaccine is not appropriate, with a strong focus on bite avoidance instead

Aftercare and safety

A sore arm, headache, muscle pain and tiredness are common for a day or two and settle on their own. Most people feel completely normal within a few days of each dose.

• Bite avoidance remains essential for everyone, vaccinated or not, using DEET repellent, covering up during the day and using treated nets and air conditioning where possible
• Get urgent medical attention for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums or nose, or extreme tiredness after a fever
• Always tell any doctor where you have travelled

Frequently asked questions

How we can supply treatment without a GP appointment

Some treatments at Berkeley Pharmacy are supplied under a Patient Group Direction, or PGD – a written instruction, signed by a doctor and a pharmacist, that legally allows our trained pharmacists to supply and administer specified medicines to people who meet defined clinical criteria, without a prescription from your GP. If you do not meet the criteria set out in the PGD we cannot supply the treatment, and we will explain why and advise you on the best next step. Our pharmacists also work as independent prescribers where that is appropriate.

Serving Berkeley and the surrounding Gloucestershire villages

Berkeley Pharmacy is on Market Place in the centre of Berkeley, with easy access from junctions 13 and 14 of the M5. We welcome patients from Berkeley, Sharpness, Newport, Berkeley Heath, Alkington, Ham, Stone and Rockhampton, and we are a short drive from Cam, Dursley, Slimbridge, Cambridge, Falfield, Charfield, Tortworth, Cromhall, Oldbury-on-Severn, Wotton-under-Edge, Thornbury, Frampton on Severn and Stonehouse. Patients also travel to us from Stroud, Nailsworth, Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Tetbury and Gloucester.

• Berkeley
• Sharpness
• Newport
• Berkeley Heath
• Alkington
• Ham
• Stone
• Rockhampton
• Cam
• Dursley
• Slimbridge
• Cambridge
• Falfield
• Charfield
• Tortworth
• Cromhall
• Oldbury-on-Severn
• Wotton-under-Edge
• Thornbury
• Frampton on Severn
• Stonehouse
• Stroud
• Nailsworth
• Yate
• Chipping Sodbury
• Tetbury
• Gloucester

Safe, regulated care from your local pharmacy team

• Berkeley Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. You can check any pharmacy or pharmacist on the GPhC register at pharmacyregulation.org.
• Every consultation is face to face and private, in our dedicated consultation room – not an online questionnaire.
• Serving the Berkeley community for over 25 years.
• This service does not replace care from your GP. With your consent we will inform your GP of any treatment provided. If you are unwell, have new or worsening symptoms, or need urgent care, contact your GP or NHS 111, and in an emergency call 999.
• If you experience a side effect from any medicine you can report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Page last reviewed: September 2026. Next review due: September 2027.

Related services

Other services you may be interested in at Berkeley Pharmacy.

Speak to our pharmacy team about dengue fever vaccination

Visit us in Berkeley or get in touch to arrange a private consultation with our pharmacist.

Book a consultation Call 01453 810316

Address

14 Market Place, Berkeley, GL13 9BB

Opening hours

Mon–Fri 9am–6pm (closed 1–2pm)

Sat 9am–1pm

Sun Closed