Travel medicine providers’ opinions on the dengue vaccine TAK-003 as a travel vaccine and the need for decision-support information and materials before its launch in Japan

TAK-003 is a dengue vaccine introduced in dengue-endemic countries and considered for travelers. Although not yet approved in Japan, inquiries from travelers are increasing. With limited evidence about vaccine use for travelers, consolidated expert opinions would aid in vaccination decision-making. Therefore, this study examined the opinions on TAK-003 and the need for decision-support information and materials among travel medicine providers before its launch in Japan. Participants recruited from the Japanese Society of Travel and Health were assessed on their intention to receive TAK-003 themselves when visiting dengue-endemic areas, and their intention to recommend it to travelers, with responses provided separately for short- and long-term travels. Participants who did not recommend TAK-003 provided reasons using multiple-choice questions. All participants were asked about their need for supporting information to aid in vaccination decision-making. Among the 154 respondents, over half intended to receive (55% for short-term, 75% for long-term) and recommend (53% for short-term, 75% for long-term) the vaccination. The primary reasons for not recommending it were concerns about efficacy and safety, which were also the most requested support information. These findings suggest that many travel medicine providers have positive opinions on TAK-003 as a travel vaccine and need decision-support information and materials.