Imojev (Live Attenuated Japanese Encephalitis Virus)

Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) vaccine:

1. Available Vaccine:
- One Japanese encephalitis vaccine available in the United States is called IXIARO.
- It is approved for use in children aged 2 months and older and adults.
- The vaccine should be considered for some travelers at higher risk of Japanese encephalitis.

2. Vaccination Schedule:
- IXIARO is given as a two-dose series, with the doses spaced 28 days apart.
- Adults aged 18–65 years can get the second dose from 7–28 days after the first dose.
- Children aged 2 months to 17 years and adults aged >65 years can get the second dose 28 days after the first dose.
- The last dose should be given at least 1 week before travel.
- A booster dose (third dose) is recommended if a person received the two-dose primary vaccination series one year or more previously and continues to be at risk for Japanese encephalitis virus infection or has potential for re-exposure to the virus.

3. Who Should Get Vaccinated?
- Most travelers have a very low risk of disease when going to countries with Japanese encephalitis.
- Some travelers will be at increased risk based on factors such as:
- Longer travel periods.
- Travel during the Japanese encephalitis virus transmission season.
- Staying in rural areas.
- Engaging in outdoor activities.
- Staying in accommodations without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets.
- Regardless of vaccination, travelers should take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

4. Vaccine Recommendations:
- Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for:
- Persons moving to a Japanese encephalitis-endemic country to live.
- Longer-term travelers (e.g., 1 month or longer).
- Frequent travelers to Japanese encephalitis-endemic areas.
- It should also be considered for shorter-term travelers with an increased risk based on planned travel duration, season, location, activities, and accommodations.

Remember to discuss the need for vaccination with your healthcare provider based on your specific travel plans.