In addition to individual protection measures and carrier environmental control, Japanese encephalitis can be prevented by vaccination.
The Ixiaro vaccine, already approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the USA and authorized by the EMEA (European Medicines Agency), is administered intramuscularly in the deltoid region (upper arm), in 2 doses, the second of which is inoculated 4 weeks after the first one. For good active immunization, the vaccination course must be completed at least one week before possible contact with the Japanese encephalitis virus.
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for travelers who stay outdoors for a long time in endemic areas, during the season in which transmission of the infection is most likely; however, it is not indicated for individuals under the age of 18, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
