Imojev: Live attenuated Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Imojev: Live attenuated Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Imojev vaccine is a Japanese encephalitis vaccine by GPO-MBP. Imojev is a single dose live attenuated Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Vaccine.

Live, attenuated, recombinant Japanese encephalitis virus4.0 – 5.8 log PFU* per dose (0.5 mL)
Excipients• Mannitol
• Lactose
• Glutamic acid
• Potassium hydroxide
• Histidine
• Human Serum Albumin
• Sodium chloride
• Water for injections
Contents of Imojev vaccine

There are no antimicrobials or adjuvant in the vaccine.

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How is Imojev vaccine available?

Imojev vaccine is available as Powder for injection in vial.

Diluent is available as 0.4 ml in another vial.

The vaccine looks hazy and becomes homogenous when shaken.

The sterile needle for injection may be available for the injection.

How is Imojev vaccine stored?

Imojev vaccine is stored at 2-8 degree Celsius.

The temperature range is maintained as per standard cold chain. The temperature range is maintained at all stages of transport and storage.

The vaccine if accidentally frozen should be discarded.

The expired vaccines should not be used and discarded.

Standard biomedical waste guidelines should be followed while discarding vaccines and medicines to protect the environment.

To whom Imojev vaccine is indicated?

· Imojev vaccine is given to those people who are staying in endemic areas of the Japanese encephalitis. 

· It is also given to people who are going to visit the endemic areas. The vaccination should be complete at least 7 days before the exposure.

· Those who are below 15 years should get this vaccine on priority basis.
 

How is Imojev vaccine given?

This vaccine is given by injection on thigh on anterolateral aspect in small children.

A single dose is given above age 9 months.

One more dose can be given as a booster if long term immunity is needed.

The booster dose can be given after 1 year of the first dose and within 2 years of the first dose.

The immunity is maintained at least for 3 years at high level after booster dose.

All the necessary safety injection precautions should be taken and the disposables are disposed as per biological waste management protocol.

The expired vaccine should be discarded as per BMW protocols. The vaccine should be given intramuscular it should not be given intravenous.

For older children and adults it can be given intramuscular on shoulder in deltoid muscle.

At what age Imojev vaccine is given?

Imojev vaccine is given to those in endemic area in routine immunization at above age 9 months 0.5 ml dose. 

First dose9 month age and above
BoosterAfter at least 1 year and before 2 years of vaccination
Route Given intramuscular
TravelersAt least 4 weeks before travel to endemic area
Schedule of Imojev

Currently it is recommends 2 doses at least 1 year apart.

If first dose of Imojev was taken it is recommended that subsequent doses should be buy Imojev vaccine.

Imojev vaccine is also given to people who are planning to visit the endemic areas. The vaccination should be completed at least 7 days before exposure.

How does Imojev vaccine works?

Imojev vaccine works as active immunization. The person to whom the vaccine is given gets live attenuated virus of Japanese encephalitis.

This live attenuated virus though infects you but can not make you suffer disease.

The immune system of the person recognizes these virus and develops the immune mechanism to fight against it.

When the real infection occur the immune system rapidly ramps the immune response and the disease is prevented.

In the process the memory immunity is produced which lasts longer.

What are side effects of the Imojev Japanese encephalitis vaccine?

The side effects of Japanese encephalitis vaccine Imojev vaccine are usually mild as compared to disease. They can be easily managed at home.

  • Fever may occur after vaccination and can last for 1-3 days. It can be moderate grade fever. It can be easily managed by paracetamol and sponging at home.
  • Local pain and swelling can occur after the vaccination. This can last for 3 days and can be reduced by paracetamol and local cold compression.
  • Decreased appetite, somnolence and rash may occur after the vaccination in few children. It usually subsides by its own and is generally mild form.
  • Headache and joint pain are likely to occur.
  • Hypersensitivity reaction may occur after this vaccination like any other injection. The facility where vaccination is done should be equipped with necessary drugs and personnel with skill to manage the anaphylaxis reaction.

To whom Imojev vaccine should not be given?

Imojev vaccine should not be given to person who is allergic to any of its components. Imojev vaccine should not be given to those who had got hypersensitivity reaction and anaphylaxis at first dose.

There are very few contraindications to this vaccine.

  • Infants younger than 9 months should not be administered JE vaccine 
  • People who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the JE vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine 
  • Have serious allergies of any kind 
  • This vaccine being live vaccine should be avoided in pregnancy like any other live vaccine.
  • This vaccine cannot be used in lactating women.
  • The center at which vaccination is given should be equipped with facility to manage anaphylaxis.
  • Do not give this vaccine to those who are severe immunocompromised.
  • Do not give this vaccine if patient has stage 3 and stage 4 manifestations of HIV AIDS disease.


<span class="has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color">Dr Yatin Bhole MBBS DCh DNB</span>
Dr Yatin Bhole MBBS DCh DNB

This article was written by Dr Yatin Bhole who is practicing Pediatrician at Bhole Children Clinic, Ravet. This post is for general information and before applying it on yourself, you should meet your doctor or meet us in person.



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