Japanese Encephalitis Vaccines

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccines 2024

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) protective vaccines are safe, effective, and approved as of December 2024, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) data represent administrative and official Japanese Encephalitis vaccination coverage reported annually by countries through the WHO/UNICEF. There are three types of JEV vaccines: inactivated Vero cell-derived, live attenuated, and live recombinant (chimeric) vaccines. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends JE vaccine for people moving to a JE-endemic country, longer-term travelers to JE-endemic areas, and frequent travelers to JE-endemic areas. Consider the JE vaccine (IXIARO) for shorter-term (<1 month) travelers based on planned travel duration, season, location, activities, and accommodations. In addition, vaccination should be considered for travelers going to JE-endemic areas who are uncertain of specific destinations, activities, or travel duration.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccines Authorized

A JE vaccine was first licensed in the United States at the end of 1992. In June 2009, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices approved recommendations for using JE-VC in adults, and adult booster dose recommendations were approved in 2011. In May 2013, U.S. FDA approval for JE-VC was extended to include children aged two months through 16 years. In April 2018, FDA approval for a booster dose was expanded to include the pediatric age group.

Valneva SE IXIARO is an inactivated, adsorbed Vero cell culture-derived vaccine available in the U.S.

JENVAC is an inactivated vero cell-derived vaccine prepared from an Indian Kolar strain of the Japanese encephalitis virus. Other JE vaccines are manufactured and used in different countries but are not licensed in the U.S.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Candidates

A study suggests that CD.JEVAX® can be a viable option for booster vaccination in JE prevention programs. (TCTR ID: TCTR20221102003). 

Japanese Encephalitis Indication

The CDC recommends JE vaccination for persons moving to a JE-endemic country to live, longer-term (e.g., month or longer) travelers, and frequent travelers to JE-endemic areas. Japanese Encephalitis outbreaks continue in 2024.