Ixiaro · 4.9 stars from 202 Google reviews
Japanese encephalitis vaccine in Calgary
Japanese encephalitis occurs in parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania. The vaccine, Ixiaro, is two doses, and the series should be finished at least a week before you travel. Wessam Sakr gives it here in NW Calgary.
Do you need the Japanese encephalitis vaccine?
Japanese encephalitis occurs in parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania. The Canadian Immunization Guide says the vaccine is for people at increased risk, and that it shouldn't be routinely recommended for travel to those areas without an identified risk.
So the answer depends on your trip: where, for how long, and what you'll be doing. That's what the travel consult is for.
The Ixiaro schedule
From the Canadian Immunization Guide.
- 2
- Day 0 and day 7
- At least 7 days before you travel
- 1 dose, 12 to 24 months later
What the days after feel like
The most common side effects are pain and tenderness where you had the needle, a headache, muscle aches and tiredness.
You'll wait in the pharmacy for 15 minutes after each dose. If you have an allergy to any part of a vaccine, or had a reaction to one before, tell us before you book.
Who gives your vaccine
Wessam Sakr, BScPharm, RPh
Certified Bariatric Educator, Obesity CanadaCertified Diabetes Educator, Diabetes CanadaOver nine years of patient care
Wessam owns the pharmacy and works in it. He'll go through your itinerary and the rest of what your trip may need.
What travellers say
Rated 4.9 from 202 Google reviews (November 2026). Reviewers often call Wessam "Sam". These are about travel visits here, not this vaccine in particular.
Jacky Chow · March 2026
I received a very thorough consult from the pharmacist about what vaccines and medications I should consider for my trip. The staff are very kind and knowledgeable.
D P · February 2026
We are going to Turkiye, and book a travel consultation appointment with Sam. He gave excellent and detailed travel and vaccine advice. Special thanks to his excellent assistance for great service.. Thank you.
Abbas Shaher · August 2023
Great service at this clinic! We wanted advice regarding travel vaccination and Sam provided very knowledgeable and thorough information.
Common questions
Who needs the Japanese encephalitis vaccine?
People at increased risk on their trip, based on where they're going, how long they're staying and what they'll be doing. It isn't recommended for every traveller to Asia.
How many doses of Ixiaro do I need?
Two for adults, on day 0 and day 28. Adults 18 to 65 can have them 7 days apart if time is short.
How late can I start before my trip?
The series should be finished at least 7 days before you travel. On the accelerated schedule, that means starting at least 2 weeks out.
How much does the Japanese encephalitis vaccine cost?
You'll see our price when you book. Travel vaccines aren't free in Alberta, so check whether your health insurance covers it.