Ixiaro: Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for Travelers
Ixiaro vaccine is a Japanese encephalitis vaccine by Intercell AG. Ixiaro is a single dose inactivated Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Vaccine. This is inactivated virus vaccine containing Japanese encephalitis SA14-14-2 strain.
Are you planning to visit Asian country as a traveler? Planning to stay there? Then probably you would like to read it below.
How is Ixiaro vaccine available?
Ixiaro vaccine is available as ready to inject liquid form. It is available as 0.5 ml pre-filled syringe. The vaccine looks hazy and becomes homogenous when shaken. The sterile needle for injection may be available for the injection. Being pre-filled vaccine the chances of contamination and reduced and ease with which it can be given is increased.
How is Ixiaro vaccine stored?
Ixiaro 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 Ixiaro vaccine is indicated?
· Ixiaro 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 Ixiaro vaccine given?
This vaccine is given by injection on thigh on anterolateral aspect in small children. The dose for 2 months to 3 years is 0.25 ml and for more than 3 years old is 0.5 ml. 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 Ixiaro vaccine is given?
· Ixiaro vaccine is given to those in endemic area in routine immunization at above age 1 years 0.25 ml 2 doses 28 days apart dose. Generally given at age 13 months.
· Currently it is recommends 2 doses at least 28 days apart and a booster after 11 months if the stay is going to be continued or frequent visits to endemic area are planned.
· If first dose of Ixiaro was taken it is recommended that subsequent doses should be buy Ixiaro vaccine.
· Ixiaro 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.
· Those between 3-18 years of age can take 2 doses of 0.5 ml 28 days apart.
· Those above 18 years old can take 2 doses of 0.5 ml as early as 7 days apart.
How does Ixiaro vaccine works?
Ixiaro vaccine works as active immunization. The person to whom the vaccine is given gets antigen of Japanese encephalitis. These are killed virus derived antigens. The immune system of the person recognizes these antigens 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. Yet the need of boosters is undetermined it is unknown how many years this immunity lasts.
What are side effects of Ixiaro Japanese encephalitis vaccine?
The side effects of Japanese encephalitis vaccine Ixiaro 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 Ixiaro vaccine should not be given?
Ixiaro vaccine should not be given to person who is allergic to any of its components. Ixiaro 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 2 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
• If the subject is are pregnant