Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine (IXIARO)

A new, Vero-cell–derived, inactivated JE vaccine appears safe (based on limited data) and immunogenic and requires only two doses over 28 days.

Background: Japanese encephalitis (JE), caused by a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is endemic in Asia, where it accounts for an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 cases of acute encephalitis and 10,000 to 15,000 deaths annually. The mouse brain–derived JE vaccine that has been used in the U.S. has significant deficiencies, and its production has been discontinued. A new Vero-cell–derived vaccine, IXIARO (Intercell Biomedical, Livingston, U.K.), received FDA approval on March 30, 2009.

Vaccine Composition: The vaccine contains purified, inactivated JE virus (JEV) with an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant. It also contains protamine sulfate, but not thimerosal or gelatin.

Target Population and Immunization Schedule: IXIARO is approved for use in persons aged ≥17…

Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine