Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for Travel available in Worcester

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Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

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Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by a flavivirus that affects the brain and can lead to serious neurological complications. It is primarily found in rural and agricultural regions of Asia, where rice farming and pig rearing are common, as these environments support mosquito breeding. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 70,000 clinical cases occur each year across 24 countries. While most infections are mild or asymptomatic, severe cases can result in inflammation of the brain, seizures, coma, or even death.

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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

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Claines Pharmacy 153 Ombersley Rd, Worcester, WR3 7BX

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Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Evans Pharmacy 231 Worcester Rd, Malvern, WR14 1SU

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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

What is Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a serious viral infection caused by a flavivirus that affects the brain. It is a leading cause of viral neurological disease in Asia. While most people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms, those who do can suffer from severe inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), which can lead to long-term neurological damage or death. The disease primarily affects children, but anyone who has not been previously exposed is at risk. Due to the severity of the condition and its potentially fatal consequences, Japanese Encephalitis is considered a significant public health concern in endemic regions.

How does it spread and how to prevent it?

Japanese Encephalitis is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly the Culex species, which thrive in rural and agricultural areas where rice paddies and livestock farming provide ideal breeding grounds. The virus circulates between animals such as pigs and birds, which act as natural hosts, and is only occasionally passed on to humans. It is not spread from person to person. Prevention includes avoiding mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and sleeping under mosquito nets. The most effective method of prevention, particularly for those spending extended time in rural Asia, is vaccination.

What are the symptoms?

In most cases, Japanese Encephalitis infection causes no symptoms or only mild flu-like illness. However, in about 1 in 250 infections, the disease progresses to encephalitis, which involves sudden onset of high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, seizures, and in severe cases, coma. These symptoms may develop 5 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Around 20 to 30 per cent of individuals with severe disease do not survive, and up to half of the survivors are left with permanent neurological or psychological complications, such as speech problems, movement disorders, or cognitive impairments.

How long does the vaccine last?

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine provides long-lasting protection after the initial course is completed. In the UK, the vaccine most commonly used is IXIARO®, which is administered in two doses, spaced 28 days apart. Full protection is typically achieved one week after the second dose. For those who remain at risk, such as long-term travellers or residents of endemic regions, a booster dose may be recommended after 12 to 24 months to maintain immunity. The vaccine is suitable for adults and children over two months of age and is an important preventative measure for those visiting high-risk areas.

Countries I need the vaccine for

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting endemic areas in South and Southeast Asiaand parts of the Western Pacific, particularly if their travel involves long stays, rural locations, or outdoor activities such as trekking, cycling, or camping. Countries where JE is prevalent include India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, and Japan. Although the risk for short-term travellers is low, those spending extended time in at-risk regions or visiting during transmission season (typically the monsoon and post-monsoon periods) should consider vaccination, especially if access to medical care is limited.

Vaccine Side effects

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is generally safe and well tolerated. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as low-grade fever, headache, muscle aches, or fatigue. These symptoms usually resolve within a day or two. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or, very rarely, anaphylaxis. As with any vaccine, individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine should consult their healthcare provider before receiving it. Overall, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, particularly for those travelling to areas where the disease is endemic.