JEEV Vaccine
JEEV is a Japanese encephalitis vaccine by Biologic E. limited. It is used to prevent Japanese encephalitis disease. This vaccine contains purified inactivated Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine strain (SA 14-14-2) and excipients like aluminium hydroxide hydrate and phosphate buffer saline. It is produced in Vero cells and it is formalin inactivated.
How is JEEV vaccine available?
Jeev vaccine is available as ready to inject liquid form. It is available as 0.5 ml pediatric and 1 ml 2 pediatric dosage vial. As suspension in 3 ml capacity glass vial with stoppers and flip off aluminium seal. The vaccine looks hazy and becomes homogenous when shaken.
How is JEEV vaccine stored?
JEEV 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.
To whom JEEV vaccine is indicated?
· This 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 atleast 7 days before the exposure.
· Those who are below 15 years should get this vaccine on priority basis.
How is JEEV vaccine given?
This vaccine is given by injection on thigh on anterolateral aspect in small children. The dose for 1-3 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.
At what age JEEV vaccine is given?
JEEV vaccine is given to those in endemic area in routine immunization at age 1-3 years 2 doses 0.25 ml 18 days apart and those >3 years 0.5 ml 28 days apart.
Jeev vaccine is also given to people who are planning to visit the endemic areas. The vaccination should be completed atleast 7 days before exposure.
How does JEEV vaccine works?
JEEV 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 Japanese encephalitis vaccine?
The side effects of Japanese encephalitis 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.
· 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 JEEV vaccine should not be given?
JEEV vaccination should not be given to person who is allergic to any of its components. This 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.