IXIARO is a vaccine that helps protect against Japanese encephalitis, a serious brain infection spread by mosquitoes in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific.
IXIARO is listed under Health Canada DIN 02333279. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
IXIARO
DIN
02333279
Vaccine
Japanese encephalitis virus, inactivated (SA14-14-2)
Presentation
6 mcg / 0.5 mL · suspension · intramuscular · 2 months and older
Live vaccine
No
Age and suitability depend on the product, the person and the reason for vaccination. Use the planner for a starting point and confirm with a healthcare professional.
Official sources
Use the DIN to confirm this exact product in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
A listed product may not be stocked or publicly funded.
Before and after your vaccination
Bring your immunization record if you have one, so earlier doses can be checked.
Tell the healthcare professional about a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or an ingredient, and mention any health conditions or medicines that could affect your vaccination.
After the dose, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes. Tell someone right away if you feel faint or develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Keep a record of the vaccine name, date and dose you received.
The details below are adapted from a Pharmasist patient handout linked to the same product monograph. The current Canadian Immunization Guide determines the dose schedules shown later.
What this vaccine helps prevent
IXIARO is a vaccine that helps protect against Japanese encephalitis, a serious brain infection spread by mosquitoes in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific.
It is recommended for travelers and workers who may be exposed to the virus.
What to mention before a dose
Tell your healthcare professional about any bleeding disorders, weakened immune system, allergies, or if you had a reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine.
Tell your healthcare professional if you have a fever or feel unwell, since your vaccination may need to be postponed until you recover.
Tell your healthcare professional if your immune system is weakened by a health condition or by other medicines, since the vaccine may not work as well for you and extra precautions may be discussed.
Plan to complete both doses at least a week before you travel, since it takes time for protection to develop.
How it is given
This vaccine is given as a shot, usually in your upper arm, by a healthcare professional.
Older adults may have a somewhat weaker response to the vaccine, so your healthcare professional may recommend a booster dose before your next trip.
A booster dose may be recommended one to two years later, and again about ten years after that, if you continue to be at risk of exposure.
Important things to know
Serious allergic reactions can rarely happen after any vaccine, including this one. If you had an allergic reaction after your first dose, do not receive the second dose.
People with bleeding disorders may bruise or bleed more at the injection site; a different injection technique can sometimes be used for these patients.
This vaccine does not protect against brain infections caused by anything other than Japanese encephalitis virus.
Fainting can happen after any injection, and can sometimes look like a brief convulsion; sitting or lying down for a few minutes after your shot can help prevent this.
Effects you may notice
Pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, or hardness where the shot was given.
Headache.
Tiredness.
Muscle aches.
Fever, which happens more often in babies and young children.
Nausea.
Less appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, or irritability, especially in babies and young children.
When to contact a healthcare professional
If you have a bleeding disorder and notice a lot of bruising or bleeding at the injection site.
If side effects last longer than a few days or worry you.
Before your second dose, if you had any reaction to the first.
When to get emergency help
Difficulty breathing.
Swelling of the face or throat.
Fainting shortly after the shot.
Any signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Other medicines and vaccines
This vaccine is not affected by food, so there is nothing special to do about eating around your appointment.
Tell your healthcare professional about any other vaccines you plan to get around the same time; they may be given at a different injection site on the same visit.
Key points to remember
Complete both doses at least a week before you may be exposed to the virus.
Keep a record of your vaccination dates in case a booster is needed later.
This vaccine does not replace other precautions against mosquito bites, such as repellent and protective clothing.
These are Canadian Immunization Guide schedules associated with this DIN. The right schedule depends on age, health, prior doses and reason for vaccination. Public health recommendations may differ from a product monograph's authorized schedule.
Japanese encephalitis (IXIARO) — two doses, 28 days apart
2 doses
Two doses 28 days apart, from 2 months of age; finished at least 1 week before travel.
Primary series of two doses 28 days apart. Adults 18 to 65 may use an accelerated day 0 and day 7 schedule when time is short. A booster 12 to 24 months after the primary series is recommended for continued risk.
General information only. A suggested date is not an appointment or a prescription; a healthcare professional confirms what you need. Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27.