Travel Advisory for travel to Asia

Use of Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine in Children: Recommendations of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices

Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for adults and children 2 months of age or older at increased risk of Japanese encephalitis during travel to Asia. Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus is spread by mosquitoes and causes severe disease in Asia. Although no treatment is available, the disease is vaccine-preventable. The risk for JE for most travelers is very low, but varies based on travel destination, duration, season, and activities. JE vaccine is recommended for some travelers to Asia who will be in a higher-risk setting. Inactivated Vero cell culture-derived JE vaccine (Ixiaro) is the only JE vaccine licensed and available in the United States. In 2009, Ixiaro was licensed and recommended for use in adults at increased risk of JE during travel to Asia. In June 2013, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) extended the recommendations for use of Ixiaro to include children 2 months of age or older.