Japanese Encephalitis Virus Vaccine (JE-VAX)

What is this medicine?

JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS VACCINE (jap uh NEEZ en sef uh LAHY tis VAHY ruhs vak SEEN) is a vaccine. It is used to help prevent Japanese encephalitis infections. You cannot get the disease from the vaccine.

How should I use this medicine?

This vaccine is for injection under the skin. It is given by a health care professional. Usually, three doses are given. You will be observed for at least 30 minutes after a dose.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• confusion

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• seizures

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness

• fever

• headache

• irritation or pain at site where injected

• muscle pain or weakness

• nausea, vomiting

• unusually weak or tired

What may interact with this medicine?

• medicines that suppress your immune system like medicines for cancer

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

• vaccines

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up (booster) doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This vaccine is only given in a clinic, pharmacy, doctor's office, or other health care setting and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• allergic reaction like hives after insect bites or unknown cause

• asthma

• drink alcohol-containing drinks

• immune system problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine, other medicines, thimerosal, gelatin, polysorbate 80, mouse protein, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This vaccine may not fully protect everyone. This vaccine does not prevent all types of encephalitis. Protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Stay in an area where you have ready access to medical care for at least 10 days after a vaccine dose. Get immediate medical care at the beginning of any reaction.