What is Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is a serious viral disease. It is mainly transmitted by the bite of Culex mosquitoes, which carry the Japanese encephalitis virus from infected animals, such as birds. The virus is endemic in Asia and some parts of the Western Pacific. Although asymptomatic, infection can sometimes be severe and affect the nervous system, causing encephalitis, meningitis, stiff neck and convulsions. There are also many permanent neurological complications such as epilepsy, muscle weakness and mental illness.
Japanese Encephalitis can be fatal. Children are particularly susceptible to severe symptoms. As there is no cure for the disease, it is important to take precautions when travelling to regions with an increased risk of infection, including vaccination and protection against mosquito bites.
Who should be vaccinated?
Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is particularly recommended for:
- people who travel to territories where the virus is endemic, e.g. Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, India, north-eastern Australia;
- people who are at risk because of the nature of their work, e.g. laboratory staff who may come into contact with viruses.
Who is the vaccine for?
The purpose of the vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is to produce a strong immune response in adults, adolescents, children and infants from the age of two months.
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IMPORTANT! Please book an appointment with a travel medicine doctor at least 6-8 weeks before your departure to qualify for the vaccination. If your healthcare plan does not include an appointment with a travel medicine physician, you should purchase the vaccine separately.
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Vaccination procedure
The vaccine is given intramuscularly. The basic vaccination schedule consists of 2 doses:
- the first dose is administered on day zero;
- the second dose is administered 28 days after the first dose.
An accelerated vaccination procedure is available for adults (18-65 years) where the second vaccine dose is administered 7 days after the first dose.
The first dose of the basic vaccination does not protect against Japanese encephalitis.
The basic vaccination should be completed one week at the latest before possible exposure to Japanese encephalitis virus.
How long does the vaccine provide protection?
The protection lasts for about a year after the last dose. A booster dose is recommended after this period.
In adults, a booster dose should be given 12-24 months after the recommended primary vaccination before re-exposure to the Japanese encephalitis virus.
What does the vaccine contain?
The vaccine contains inactivated Japanese encephalitis virus.
The vaccination may cause side effects
The most commonly reported side effects in adults are:
- Headaches;
- Muscle pain;
- Pain and sensitivity at the injection site.
The most frequently reported side effects in children and young adults:
- Pain at the injection site;
- Fever;
- Diarrhoea;
- Flu-like symptoms;
- Irritability.
Contraindications to vaccination include:
- Hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine;
- Severe illness accompanied by fever – in this case it is recommended to postpone vaccination.
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Make sure you book your vaccination appointment within 3 months of the date shown on your order confirmation. |
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IMPORTANT! Vaccination requires qualification with a travel medicine doctor, during which there may be contraindications to the vaccination or the doctor will suggest a different preparation.
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