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Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

What is Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that primarily affects the brain. It is a significant public health concern in parts of Asia, with an estimated 70,000 clinical cases reported annually across 24 countries (WHO, 2015). The virus is particularly prevalent in rural agricultural regions, where rice paddies and livestock farming create ideal breeding conditions for the Culex mosquito species responsible for transmission.

Vaccination Pricing

£110 Per dose
£220 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

Most human infections with JE virus do not result in symptoms.

When symptoms do occur they include:

  • Mostly asymptomatic

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Confusion

  • Death rate is high in symptomatic cases admitted to hospital

Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

231 Worcester Road, Malvern, WR14 1SU

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

worcesterravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

153 Ombersley Road, Worcester, WR3 7BX

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
3 – 85 2 0, 28 days Last dose up to day before* 1-2 years
18 – 65 2 0, 7 days** Last dose up to day before* 1-2 years

*This vaccination is at its most effective when given time to develop adequate immunity. Some immunity will be present if you get the vaccine up to the day before your trip.
** accelerated schedule

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a serious viral infection that affects the brain and is caused by the Japanese Encephalitis virus, a member of the flavivirus family. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes and primarily affects rural and agricultural areas in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific. While most infections are asymptomatic or mild, in rare cases the virus can cause severe inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), which may lead to permanent neurological damage or death. JE is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in many Asian countries, particularly among children. Although rare in travellers, the disease carries a high fatality rate and can result in long-term disability, making prevention especially important for those at risk.

Japanese Encephalitis spreads to humans through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes, which typically breed in rice fields and other rural water sources. The virus circulates between mosquitoes, pigs, and wading birds, with humans being incidental hosts—meaning they do not spread the virus further. The mosquitoes that carry JE are most active at dusk and during the night. Prevention includes reducing exposure to mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellent containing DEET, and sleeping under mosquito nets or in air-conditioned rooms. For travellers spending extended periods in endemic rural areas—particularly during the transmission season—the JE vaccine is the most effective form of prevention and is strongly advised. The risk to short-term travellers is generally low, but individual circumstances, such as travel itinerary, activities, and local outbreak reports, should be considered.

In the vast majority of cases, Japanese Encephalitis causes no symptoms or only a mild, flu-like illness. However, in approximately 1 in 250 cases, the virus progresses to cause severe encephalitis. Symptoms typically appear 5 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and begin with the sudden onset of fever, headache, vomiting, and confusion. In more serious cases, the infection may lead to seizures, neck stiffness, disorientation, paralysis, coma, and ultimately death. Of those who develop severe symptoms, the fatality rate is around 20–30%, and up to half of the survivors may be left with lasting neurological or psychiatric complications. Because there is no specific antiviral treatment for JE, supportive care is the only option once symptoms develop, highlighting the importance of vaccination and mosquito bite prevention.

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine used in the UK is typically given as a two-dose schedule, with the second dose administered 28 days after the first. Full protection is usually achieved around one week after the second dose. The vaccine provides long-lasting immunity, with current evidence suggesting protection for at least 12 to 24 months, possibly longer. A booster dose may be recommended after 12–24 months for individuals who remain at ongoing risk, such as those living or working in endemic areas. For those requiring more immediate protection, an accelerated schedule may be available under medical advice. As with all travel vaccines, it is advisable to consult a travel health specialist well in advance of departure.

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting rural or agricultural areas in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific where the virus is endemic. This includes countries such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and parts of Japan and Papua New Guinea. The risk is higher during and after the rainy season, when mosquito populations peak, and in areas with rice paddies and pig farming. The vaccine is particularly advised for those staying in affected regions for longer than a month, although it may also be considered for shorter-term travellers engaging in high-risk outdoor activities or staying in areas with ongoing outbreaks. Urban areas generally pose a lower risk.

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is considered safe and well tolerated. Most side effects are mild and short-lived, with the most common being redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site. Some individuals may experience low-grade fever, headache, or muscle aches shortly after vaccination. These symptoms typically resolve within a day or two. Serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, are very rare. The vaccine is suitable for adults and children aged two months and older, although younger children and those with certain health conditions may require additional assessment. As with all vaccinations, the risk of side effects is far outweighed by the benefits of protection against a potentially fatal disease like Japanese Encephalitis, especially in high-risk areas where access to advanced medical care may be limited.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

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