Deputy Health Minister Dr Hilmi Yahaya said this was because there were now four types of viruses that could cause dengue fever in the country but the vaccine did not cover all of them.

“There are DEN 1, DEN 2, DEN 3 and DEN 4. The vaccine might work on DEN 1 and 2 but not on DEN 3 and 4.

“This vaccine might only work on children, aged nine years and above, but what about those below that age?” he told reporters after launching the Second International Conference Table Top Exercise and Communication in Disaster Medicine (TOPCOM) 2016 here today.

According to Hilmi, ministry specialists were still conducting studies on the matter.

“However, the vaccine manufacturer wants Dengvaxia to be registered and it is in the process of registration. But then again, we are still studying it. If the vaccine is registered, it does not mean we will use it,” he said.

Dengvaxia was developed by French drugmaker Sanofi’s Pasteur division.

The division has been studying the tropical disease for over 20 years, spending Euro1.5 billion (RM7 billion) on research as well as on manufacturing investments.

So far, the vaccine is licensed in Mexico, the Philippines, Brazil, El Salvador and Costa Rica.