Abstract:
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness, antibody persistence, and safety of Japanese encephalitis (JE) attenuated live vaccines and inactivated (Vero cell) vaccines currently used in China's national immunization program following primary immunization, thus providing evidence for optimizing JE vaccination strategies in China.
Methods We systematically searched CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the safety and effectiveness of JE vaccines that were published from January 1, 2000 to February 28, 2025. RevMan 5.3 and R 4.4.1 were used for single-arm proportion meta-analyses.
Results A total of 20 eligible articles (9 in Chinese, 11 in English) were included, comprising 27 vaccine cohorts with 5 445 participants. Meta-analysis results showed that the pooled seroconversion rate (SCR) 28–30 days after primary immunization was 91.12% (95%CI: 84.75%–94.99%). The pooled antibody persistence rate 1 year after primary immunization was 86.32% (95%CI: 62.75%–95.94%). The pooled incidence of total adverse events (AEs) was 24.10% (95%CI: 14.59%–37.11%), and the pooled incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) was 0.19% (95%CI: 0.00%–0.91%). Subgroup analyses revealed differences in SCR across different geographical regions and age groups (all P < 0.01). However, no significant differences were found in SCR, antibody persistence rate, total incidence of AEs, or incidence of SAEs between different vaccine types (all P > 0.05). Similarly, no significant differences were observed across regions or age groups for antibody persistence rate, total incidence of AEs, or incidence of SAEs (all P > 0.05). Sensitivity analysis using the study removal method showed that the meta-analysis results remained stable after excluding smaller studies.
Conclusions The JE vaccines currently used in China demonstrate great immunogenicity, sustained immune protection, and acceptable safety after primary immunization. It is recommended that regional and population differences be considered in immunization strategy planning, and immunization protection and post-vaccination monitoring be strengthened for key populations such as children.