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ACIP recommends Japanese encephalitis vaccine for travelers
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The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices updated previous recommendations to include a recently-licensed Japanese encephalitis vaccine (Ixiaro, Intercell AG) for people traveling to Asian countries where the disease may be endemic, as well as to Americans living in high-risk areas.
Last updated in 1993, committee members said that increased travelers to endemic areas made a change in previous recommendations necessary. In addition to recognizing the recent licensure of Ixiaro, the committee's expanded recommendations urged clinicians to consider vaccinating travelers visiting endemic areas during the transmission season, even those on short-term visits, if they plan to spend a substantial amount of time outdoors.
“The consequences of contracting this disease can be devastating due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, making Ixiaro a crucial preventive tool for those spending time in endemic areas,” Gerd Zettlmeissl, Intercell chief executive officer said in a press release. The vaccine is being marketed in the United States by Novartis vaccines.
For more information:
- ACIP. Japanese encephalitis vaccine. Presented at: the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Meeting; June 24-26, 2009; Atlanta.