Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination

What is Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a viral brain infection spread by mosquito bites in rural parts of Asia, including India, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, Korea and Japan. The virus can cause severe inflammation of the brain, and around 1 in 4 severe cases is fatal. Of those who survive, up to half are left with permanent neurological damage.

The risk to most short-stay tourists is low, but it increases significantly for travellers spending time in rural or agricultural areas, especially during the rainy season.

Who needs the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine?

JE vaccination is recommended for:

• Travellers spending a month or more in rural areas of endemic countries
• Shorter trips with significant outdoor or rural exposure, particularly during or after monsoon season
• Frequent travellers to Asia
• Anyone travelling to areas where there is a known JE outbreak
• Expatriates and long-stay travellers in endemic regions

About the vaccine

The vaccine used in the UK is Ixiaro, given as two doses 28 days apart. Ideally the second dose should be completed at least one week before travel. For those who need faster protection, a rapid schedule of two doses 7 days apart is licensed for adults aged 18 to 65.

What to expect

Each dose is an injection into the upper arm. Mild soreness and occasionally redness at the injection site may occur. Most people tolerate the vaccine well.