Travel vaccine

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Japanese encephalitis is a viral brain infection spread by mosquitoes in parts of Asia and the western Pacific. Most infections cause no symptoms, but the small number that become severe can be very serious — and a two-dose vaccine offers reliable protection for higher-risk trips.

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Key facts

Who it's for

Longer or rural trips to risk areas of Asia and the western Pacific

Vaccination course

2 doses (standard: days 0 and 28; accelerated: days 0 and 7 for adults 18–65)

Minimum age

From 2 months

When to have it

Complete the course at least a week before travel

Booster

May be needed after 1–2 years if you remain at risk

How it spreads

Mosquito bites in rural areas, mainly evening and night

What is Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is caused by a virus spread by Culex mosquitoes, which bite mainly between dusk and dawn and breed in rural areas, particularly around rice paddies and where pigs and water birds are kept. It cannot be passed from person to person.

The great majority of people who are infected have no symptoms or only a mild, flu-like illness. Rarely, the virus causes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), which can be life-threatening or lead to lasting complications. There is no specific treatment, so prevention through bite avoidance and — for higher-risk travellers — vaccination is key.

Risk areas

Japanese encephalitis occurs across much of South Asia, South-East Asia, the Far East and parts of the western Pacific. Risk is mainly rural and agricultural — especially rice-growing and pig-farming areas — and is generally higher during and just after the rainy season, although transmission can occur year-round in tropical regions.

Risk for travellers

The risk to most short-stay, city-based travellers is very low. It rises with longer stays (typically a month or more) in rural endemic areas, repeated trips, travel during the transmission season, and extensive outdoor or rural activities such as camping, cycling or fieldwork. Vaccination is recommended for travellers whose plans put them at higher risk, alongside good mosquito-bite avoidance.

What are the symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis?

Most infections cause no symptoms at all
Fever, headache and tiredness in milder cases
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion or altered behaviour in severe cases
Neck stiffness and seizures
Weakness or difficulty moving in severe cases

How does the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine work?

The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is an inactivated (non-live) vaccine given as two doses. The standard schedule is given over 28 days; adults aged 18 to 65 can usually have an accelerated schedule over just 7 days when time is short. A booster may be advised after one to two years for those with continued exposure. We'll plan the schedule around your departure date at your appointment.

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Who should have the JE vaccine?

Vaccination is recommended for travellers whose itinerary increases their risk. It's worth considering if you are:

Spending a month or more in rural areas of an affected country
Travelling during or just after the rainy season
Making repeated or longer-term trips to risk areas
Taking part in extensive outdoor activities — camping, cycling, trekking or fieldwork — near rice paddies or farmland

The vaccination course

Two doses are needed for full protection. The standard schedule gives the doses on days 0 and 28; adults aged 18 to 65 can usually have an accelerated schedule on days 0 and 7 when there isn't time for the standard one.

Try to complete the course at least a week before you travel. If you remain at risk, a booster may be recommended after one to two years. We'll confirm the right schedule for you at your appointment.

Possible side effects

The vaccine is generally well tolerated, with mild and short-lived side effects:

Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
Headache and muscle aches
Tiredness or a mildly raised temperature
Serious reactions are uncommon

Beyond the vaccine: avoiding mosquito bites

Because the vaccine is given only to higher-risk travellers, bite avoidance is important for everyone in affected areas:

Use an effective insect repellent (such as 50% DEET) on exposed skin
Cover up with long sleeves and trousers, especially around dusk and at night
Sleep under a mosquito net or in screened, air-conditioned accommodation
Take extra care in rural areas near rice fields and farm animals

Bite avoidance

Spread by night-biting mosquitoes

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine is spread by Culex mosquitoes, which bite mainly in the evening and at night around rural rice fields and farmland. Avoiding mosquito bites is a key part of your protection. Protect yourself after dark: use 40–50% DEET repellent, cover up in the evening and sleep under a treated mosquito net.

How to avoid mosquito bites

FAQ