Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is recommended for travellers to certain areas where the disease is prevalent, for example parts of Asia and the Western Pacific, especially when travelling to areas where you spend a lot of time outdoors or stay in rural areas. 

The risk of Japanese Encephalitis for most travellers is generally low but can vary based on the destination, duration of travel, season, and activities. Consulting a healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist can help determine if you need the vaccine based on your travel itinerary. 

The Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection. Studies show that the vaccine provides over 90% protection after the full series of doses. 

The duration of protection provided by the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is typically long-lasting. After completing the primary vaccination series, which is 2 doses the protection can last at least several years. However, the exact duration can vary depending on the specific vaccine used. For ongoing risk or long-term exposure, a booster dose may be recommended, usually after 1 to 2 years for the inactivated vaccines. 

Getting vaccinated before travelling is a key step in safeguarding your health, the health of those around you, and the public health of the communities you visit. For Japanese Encephalitis, it is advisable to get the vaccine at least 4 weeks before departure. 

A consultation with our specialist travel nurse costs £20 for the first appointment and £10 for additional people and follow ups. The consultation is required to assess your travel plans and medical history and recommend vaccinations for your individual needs. A dose of the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine costs £119, and 2 doses are required. The full course offers protection for 10 years.  

Please see our full price list for details and speak to our staff in clinics about customised price plans for groups, families or when you book your full course in advance. 

Common side effects of the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine include pain and redness at the injection site, headache, and muscle aches. These are usually mild and resolve within a few days. Rare side effects can include allergic reactions, such as hives or difficulty breathing, which require immediate medical attention. Serious neurological side effects are extremely rare. 

You can get the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine in one of our flagship clinics with locations in: 

• London: Victoria, Moorgate, London Bridge 

• Hampshire: Winchester, Southampton 

• Hertfordshire: Hitchin 

• Sussex: Brighton & Hove, Worthing 

• Kent: Ashford 

You can also visit one of our local pharmacy partners by finding a clinic near you. 

Is Japanese Encephalitis the same as Japanese B Encephalitis? 

Yes, Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Japanese B Encephalitis refer to the same disease. The term “Japanese B Encephalitis” is an older name that was used to differentiate it from other types of Encephalitis, particularly “type A” Encephalitis caused by other viruses. Over time, the simpler term Japanese Encephalitis has become the standard name for the disease. 

What are symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis? 

Japanese Encephalitis often starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and vomiting. Severe cases can progress to neurological symptoms like seizures, paralysis, and confusion. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have contracted the virus. 

Up to 30% of cases are fatal and 30-50% of individuals who develop Encephalitis have permanent neurological disability. 

What is the schedule for the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine?

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is given as a 2-dose course with a booster after 12 months. 

How effective is one dose of the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine? 

Clinical studies show that one dose of the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine provides around 21% protection 10 days after receiving the first dose and around 40% protection 28 days after the first dose.  

Therefore, if there is not enough time to complete the 2-dose course, additional insect bite prevention measures are vital in protecting against contracting the infection. 

How often do you need a Japanese Encephalitis booster? 

If there is an ongoing risk for infection, such as travelling to an endemic country, the first booster is recommended after 12 months All other travellers can get their booster within 12-24 months. 

Can children have the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine? 

Yes, the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is available for children. The dosage differs depending on age: 

Who is not able to have the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine? 

Individuals with severe allergies to any component of the vaccine, particularly those who have had a previous allergic reaction to the vaccine, should not receive it.  

People with weakened immune systems or certain health conditions may need to consult with a doctor. 

Is the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine free on the NHS? 

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is not typically available on the NHS for general use. It may be available for specific groups at risk or for travel purposes, but this depends on individual circumstances. Travellers usually need to visit a travel clinic and pay for the vaccine privately. 

What additional precautions do I need to take to avoid Japanese Encephalitis? 

When traveling to areas where Japanese Encephalitis is present, taking the following precautions in addition to vaccination can help reduce your risk: 

• Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing. Follow the product’s instructions for reapplication. 

• Cover exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes, especially during peak mosquito activity at dusk and dawn. 

• Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets, especially in accommodations without screened windows or air conditioning. 

• Stay in hotels or lodgings with screens on windows and doors, or those equipped with air conditioning. 

• Consider using mosquito coils or plug-in repellents indoors to further reduce mosquito presence. 

• Limit visits to rural areas, rice paddies, or pig farms, especially in the evening or early morning, as these are mosquito breeding grounds. 

• Take extra precautions during the rainy season or other periods when mosquito populations are highest.