home > drugs a-z list > je-vax (japanese encephalitis virus vaccine inactivated) drug center > je-vax (japanese encephalitis virus vaccine inactivated) drug - patient how to take

In this Article

• What is Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine (Nakayama) (Je-Vax)?
• What are the possible side effects of this vaccine (Je-Vax)?
• What is the most important information I should know about this vaccine (Je-Vax)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving this vaccine (Je-Vax)?
• How is this vaccine given (Je-Vax)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Je-Vax)?
• What happens if I overdose (Je-Vax)?
• What should I avoid before or after receiving this vaccine (Je-Vax)?
• What other drugs will affect Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine (Nakayama) (Je-Vax)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving this vaccine (Je-Vax)?

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a Japanese encephalitis vaccine, or if you are allergic to mouse proteins or a preservative called thimerosal. You should also not receive this vaccine if you have received cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment in the past 3 months.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell the doctor if you are allergic to any foods or drugs, or if you have:

• an allergy to insect (such as bee or wasp) stings;
• a history of seizures;
• a neurologic disorder or disease affecting the brain (or if this was a reaction to a previous vaccine); or
• a weak immune system caused by disease, bone marrow transplant, or by using certain medicines or receiving cancer treatments.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a cold or fever. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.

Vaccines may be harmful to an unborn baby and generally should not be given to a pregnant woman. However, not vaccinating the mother could be more harmful to the baby if the mother becomes infected with a disease that this vaccine could prevent. Your doctor will decide whether you should receive this vaccine, especially if you have a high risk of infection with the Japanese encephalitis virus.

Do not receive this vaccine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is this vaccine given (Je-Vax)?

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) under the skin. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.

The Japanese encephalitis Nakayama vaccine is given in a series of 3 shots. The booster shots are usually given 7 days and 2 weeks to 1 month after the first shot. Your individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the health department of the state you live in.

Your care providers may want to watch you for signs of allergic reaction for at least 30 minutes after you receive this vaccine.

In addition to receiving the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, use protective clothing, insect repellents, and mosquito netting around your bed to further prevent mosquito bites that could infect you with the Japanese encephalitis virus.

For at least 10 days after receiving a Japanese encephalitis vaccine, be sure to stay in an area where you have access to medical care in case of a delayed allergic reaction.

Your doctor may recommend treating fever and pain with an aspirin-free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, and others) when the shot is given and for the next 24 hours. Follow the label directions or your doctor's instructions about how much of this medicine to take.

It is especially important to prevent fever from occurring if you have a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.