Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine (SA14-14-2)

Japanese encephalitis is a serious disease caused by a virus. Most people who get infected have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. A severe infection can lead to encephalitis (swelling of the brain), permanent disability, or death.

The Japanese encephalitis SA14-14-2 vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in people who are at least 2 months old.

This vaccine contains inactivated Japanese encephalitis virus. It helps your body build protection against the disease. It will not treat an infection you already have.

You should get this vaccine if you plan to live in an area where Japanese encephalitis occurs. You should also get it if you will stay for 1 month or longer or travel there often. Protect yourself from mosquito bites while traveling.

Not everyone who travels to Asia needs to receive a Japanese encephalitis vaccine. Follow your doctor's instructions or the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This vaccine is also recommended for people who work in a laboratory and may be exposed to Japanese encephalitis virus.

Like any vaccine, the Japanese encephalitis SA14-14-2 vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Read all vaccine information sheets provided to you.

This vaccine is injected into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.

This vaccine is given as a 2-dose series. The doses are usually given 28 days apart. Adults 18 to 65 years old may receive the second dose 7 to 28 days after the first dose.

Complete the 2-dose series at least 1 week before you may be exposed to Japanese encephalitis virus.

Ask your healthcare provider about a booster dose if it has been at least 11 months since you completed the 2-dose series and ongoing exposure or re-exposure to Japanese encephalitis virus is expected.

In addition to receiving the Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine, use protective clothing, insect repellents, and mosquito netting around your bed to further prevent mosquito bites that could infect you with the Japanese encephalitis virus.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this or another Japanese encephalitis vaccine, or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this vaccine.

You should not get this vaccine if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a previous dose of this or another Japanese encephalitis vaccine, or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this vaccine.

Tell your doctor before getting this vaccine if you have:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, or low levels of platelets in your blood; or
• a weak immune system caused by disease or by taking certain medicines or receiving cancer treatments.

You can still get the vaccine if you have a minor cold. If you have a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you feel better before getting this vaccine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You should not receive another dose if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a previous dose of this or another Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine.

Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. When you receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shot caused any side effects.

People sometimes faint after vaccination. Tell the person giving the vaccine if you feel dizzy, if your vision changes, or if your ears ring.

Becoming infected with Japanese encephalitis may be more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Common side effects of Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine may include:

• irritability;
• nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• headache, tiredness, muscle pain;
• fever, flu symptoms;
• skin rash; or
• pain, swelling, redness, or tenderness where the shot was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Usual Adult Dose for Japanese Encephalitis Virus Prophylaxis:

Primary Series: Two 0.5 mL doses intramuscularly 28 days apartBooster Dose: May give a booster dose if the primary 2 dose series was completed more than 1 year previously and ongoing exposure to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is expected.Comments: The primary immunization series should be completed at least 1 week prior to potential exposure.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Japanese Encephalitis Virus Prophylaxis:

Primary Series:3 years of age and older: Two 0.5 mL doses intramuscularly 28 days apart2 months to less than 3 years of age: Two 0.25 mL doses intramuscularly 28 days apartBooster Dose:17 years of age and older: May give a booster dose if the primary 2 dose series was completed more than 1 year previously and ongoing exposure to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is expected.2 months to under 17 years: The safety and immunogenicity of a booster dose has not been evaluated.Comments: The primary immunization series should be completed at least 1 week prior to potential exposure.

Contact your doctor if you miss a booster dose or if you fall behind schedule. The next dose should be given as soon as possible. There is no need to start over.

Make sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine. You may not be fully protected if you do not receive the complete series.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Before getting this vaccine, inform the doctor about all other vaccines you have recently received.

Also, let the doctor know if you use or have recently received any of the following drugs or treatments that may weaken the immune system:

• steroids (oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable);
• chemotherapy or radiation;
• medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.