Jenvac Vaccination in Pcmc

1. What is JENVAC and what is it used for?
JENVAC is a vaccine designed to prevent Japanese Encephalitis, a disease caused by the Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV), which stands as a significant cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. This virus, transmitted through mosquito bites from the Culex species, belongs to the same genus as dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses. While most JEV infections display mild symptoms like fever and headache or none at all, about 1 in 250 infections leads to severe clinical illness. Severe cases manifest with a rapid onset of high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, seizures, paralysis, and, in some instances, death. The mortality rate can soar to 30% among those with disease symptoms, and survivors may experience permanent intellectual, behavioral, or neurological complications such as paralysis, recurrent seizures, or speech impairment. No antiviral treatment exists for JE patients; therapy remains supportive to alleviate symptoms and stabilize patients. The most effective strategy for Japanese encephalitis control is vaccination, and JENVAC is an inactivated vaccine derived from Vero cells, sourced from an Indian Kolar strain of the Japanese encephalitis virus. JENVAC is a safe and highly effective vaccine guarding against all known strains of Japanese encephalitis.

2. Important aspects to note before administering JENVAC?
Before administering JENVAC, consider the following:

• Infants younger than 2 months should not receive the JE vaccine
• Individuals with a history of life-threatening allergic reactions to the JE vaccine or any vaccine ingredient
• Those with severe allergies of any kind
• Pregnant individuals

3. How is JENVAC administered?
JENVAC Vaccine is administered via intramuscular injection, typically in the deltoid region of the upper arm for adults and the anterolateral region of the thigh for children. According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics Recommended immunization schedule (2018-19), JE vaccine should be administered at 12 months and 13 months of age. Additionally, JE vaccine is recommended for individuals residing in endemic areas and travelers visiting JE-endemic regions for a stay lasting a minimum of 4 weeks.

4. What are the possible side effects from administering JENVAC?
Common side effects of the JE vaccine include localized pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, headache, muscle aches (more prevalent in adults), and mild fever (mostly in children). Severe side effects resulting from the JE vaccine are extremely rare.