Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccines

Licensed JE vaccines include inactivated mouse brain-derived vaccines, a Vero cell-derived inactivated vaccine, and a live attenuated SA14-14-2 vaccine produced in primary hamster kidney cells. Currently, there is no JE vaccine which is WHO-prequalified. Recognizing the burden of disease, more countries are introducing JE vaccination into their routine paediatric schedules. The inactivated mouse brain-derived vaccine is gradually being replaced by the live attenuated SA14-14-2 vaccine. In addition, several candidate vaccines are in late stage development, and are expected to be licensed in the near future. With improved vaccines becoming available, the global demand for JE vaccines is projected to more than double by 2012.

At its seventeenth meeting, held in Geneva on 12-13 December 2007, GACVS considered new safety data generated on the SA 14-14-2 vaccine, following a review conducted at its twelfth meeting, held in Geneva, Switzerland on 9-10 June 2005. In addition, at its fifteenth meeting, held in Geneva, Switzerland on 29-30 November 2006, the Committee considered the safety of Japanese encephalitis vaccination in mass campaigns in India.

At its twelfth meeting (9-10 June 2005), GACVS also considered safety aspects of the mouse brain-derived vaccine.

Page last updated: 25 January 2008
Page last reviewed: 10 December 2008

New in August 2009
Report of Committee meeting [pdf 254kb]