Japanese encephalitis vaccine - Intramuscular/Subcutaneous

Japanese encephalitis vaccine helps protect children and adults against serious infection caused by Japanese encephalitis virus.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that occurs in certain areas of the world. It is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

This medicine is given to individuals living in or travelling to an area where there is a great risk of Japanese encephalitis. It may also be given to individuals who are handling infectious materials such as laboratory workers.

Japanese encephalitis vaccine is to be injected intramuscularly (into the muscle, usually into the muscles of the upper arm, thigh or buttocks) or subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area).

Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.

The dose of Japanese encephalitis vaccine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of vaccination depending on your risks and possible exposure to Japanese encephalitis.

Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses.

If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse.

Do not use Japanese encephalitis vaccine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.

Alert your doctor if you have HIV infection as Japanese encephalitis vaccine may not be suitable for you when given subcutaneously.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• bleeding problems
• history of fits or seizures caused by fever
• uncontrolled condition or severe illness that affects the brain and nervous system
• weak immune system
• severe illness with fever

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Japanese encephalitis vaccine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Japanese encephalitis vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, muscle or joint pain, tiredness, fever, and redness, swelling, itching or pain at the injection site.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, tongue or throat
• temporary loss of consciousness, fainting or passing out

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have received any other vaccines.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Japanese encephalitis vaccine to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.