Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination

Understanding Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a serious infection caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus, a flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses. It is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes and is found mainly in rural and agricultural areas in Asia and the Western Pacific. The global prevalence of JE is significant, with approximately 68,000 clinical cases reported annually, though many cases may go unreported.

Prevention

The Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination is a critical preventive measure, especially for travelers to endemic regions. The vaccine is typically administered in a two-dose series, with the doses spaced 28 days apart. For rapid protection, adults aged 18–65 years may receive the second dose as early as 7 days after the first. It is recommended to complete the vaccination course at least one week before travel to allow for an adequate immune response.

Countries at Risk

Regions where JE is most commonly found include parts of Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, East Asia, and the Pacific islands. Travelers to these areas should consider vaccination, particularly if they plan to spend time in rural or outdoor settings.
Find country-specific vaccine recommendations with Travel Health Pro.

Signs and Symptoms

The majority of JE virus infections are mild (fever and headache) or without apparent symptoms, but approximately 1 in 250 infections results in severe clinical illness. The severe disease is characterized by rapid onset of high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, seizures, spastic paralysis, and ultimately can lead to death. Up to half of the survivors have persistent neurological sequelae.

The cost of Japanese Encephalitis Vaccation can vary depending on the Private Provider that you choose. Enter your postcode and click search to compare the cost of Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination directly on Odycy to find the best Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination prices near you.

The cost of Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination may be covered by private health insurance plans, depending on the specifics of the policy. Check with your insurance provider to understand what is covered.

For those without insurance or if insurance doesn't cover the cost of Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination, self-pay options are available.

If you need to pay out of pocket to cover the cost of Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination then finding an affordable option is easier with Odycy - enter your postcode and search for the service you need. You'll be able to directly compare Private Provider prices from the best Private Provider's near you.

Travel Precautions

To avoid contracting Japanese Encephalitis while traveling, individuals should take precautions against mosquito bites. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and staying in accommodations with mosquito nets or screens. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent JE, but these additional measures can further reduce the risk. It is also advisable to avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito biting times, especially at dawn and dusk.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/je-ixiaro.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/japaneseencephalitis/vaccine/index.html
• Immunize.org. (2023). Japanese Encephalitis (JE). Retrieved from https://www.immunize.org/vaccines/vis/japanese-encephalitis/
• Public Health Scotland. (2022). Patient Group Direction Template: Administration of Japanese encephalitis vaccine - version 1.0. Retrieved from https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/patient-group-direction-template-administration-of-japanese-encephalitis-vaccine/patient-group-direction-template-administration-of-japanese-encephalitis-vaccine-version-10/
• Health.mil. (2022). Japanese Encephalitis. Retrieved from https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Health-Readiness/Immunization-Healthcare/Vaccine-Preventable-Diseases/Japanese-Encephalitis