Japanese encephalitis vaccine (UNLICENSED IN THE UK)

How does it work?

This vaccine contains inactivated Japanese encephalitis virus. It works by stimulating the body's immune response, without causing the disease. When the body is exposed to foreign organisms, the immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies are specific to the infecting agent and their first function is to help the body recognise and kill the foreign organisms. The antibodies formed remain in the body and recognise and attack any future infection with the same organism. This is known as immunity. Protection against many infections can be provided artificially by means of vaccines derived from altered forms of infecting organisms. These vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies in the same way as genuine infection, without actually causing the disease. As the organisms stimulate the production of a specific type of antibody, a different vaccine must be used for each disease. The Japanese encephalitis vaccine provides immunity against infection with the Japanese encephalitis virus. This vaccine is not given routinely. It is only given to people who are at high risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis, such as travellers or residents in high risk areas. Some vaccines remain effective for a lifetime, while others have to be updated after a few years. 'Booster' injections of this vaccine are required to provide continued immunity. This vaccine is currently unlicensed in the UK, but is available on a named-patient basis.

What is it used for?

Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis

Warning!

Individuals who have received this vaccine are advised to stay in areas where they have access to medical care for 10 days following a dose, due to the possibility of a delayed allergic reaction. Seek medical attention if a rash or swelling of the extremities, face or lips occurs.

Avoid excessive alcohol intake in the first 48 hours following vaccination

Use with caution in

Children less than 1 year of age

History of allergies

Not to be used in

Allergic, itchy skin rash (urticaria) caused by a previous dose of vaccine

Allergy to rodent proteins or proteins originating from nerve cells

Allergy to thiomersal

Swelling of the lips, eyes or tongue (angioedema) caused by a previous dose of vaccine

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The manufacturer does not recommend the use of this medicine when breastfeeding, as there is no safety information available. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Abdominal pain

Fever (pyrexia)

Chills

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema)

A general feeling of being unwell (malaise)

Pain and swelling at site of injection

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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