Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Japanese encephalitis vaccine may prevent encephalitis (infection of the brain) that can occur after infection with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). The virus is carried by mosquitos, primarily in Asia and the western Pacific countries.

Encephalitis from JEV infection can cause headache, fever, altered mental state, seizures, and coma.

Japanese encephalitis vaccine does not contain active virus. It works by triggering the body to create antibodies to the virus to protect against potential infection.

Japanese encephalitis vaccine comes as a suspension to be given intramuscularly (into a muscle) by a healthcare provider.

Japanese encephalitis vaccine is given as two doses 28 days apart (some adults may receive the doses 7 days apart). You should receive both doses at least one week prior to potential exposure. A booster dose (3rd dose) may be given at least 11 months after completion of the first two doses if exposure to JEV continues to be expected.

Tell your vaccine provider if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, any part of this vaccine, any other vaccine or any drug, food or substance. Tell your vaccine provider about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• are immunocompromised due to illness or are taking immunosuppressant medications.
• tell your vaccine provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone vaccination to a future visit.

Side effects that have been reported with Japanese encephalitis vaccine include:

• pain, redness, tenderness at the site of injection
• fever
• headache
• irritability and diarrhea (in infants)

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit https://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

• Read the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) that your vaccine provider will give you, or you can obtain it at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/index.html
• Ask your healthcare provider.
• Call your local or state health department.

• Ixiaro^®