The first vaccine against dengue can go on sale in French Polynesia after it was approved by the European Union.
The vaccine Dengvaxia was developed by the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur.
It may now be sold in some European overseas territories with a tropical climate, including La Reunion whose population has been badly hit by the mosquito-borne disease.
The use of Dengvaxia is restricted to people between the ages of 9 and 45 who have had dengue before.
The vaccine is to prevent a second dengue infection which researchers say tends to be more serious.
Dengvaxia has earlier been approved in countries like Brazil and Mexico while Sanofi expects a decision by the US by May.
