Singapore Health Sciences Authority,HSA, says, a vaccine for the dengue virus has been approved and is expected to be available in a few months' time. Developed by Sanofi Pasteur, the "Dengvaxia" vaccine requires three doses to be administered over 12 months and is effective for up to four years after the third dose.<br/><br/> HSA said Dengvaxia was approved by the authorities after a review to ensure that the vaccine is relevant for the population and its benefits outweigh the risks. A review of two major clinical studies conducted in Latin America and Asia on individuals between two and 16 years old also found that the vaccine was most effective in those who already have baseline immunity due to a previous dengue infection.<br/><br/>The vaccine has been backed by the World Health Organization's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE). It is currently approved for use in countries such as Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, Philippines, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru and Paraguay.