About the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
When Should You Get the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine should ideally be given at least 4–6 weeks before travel to allow time to complete the full course and develop protection.
As the infection is spread by Culex mosquitoes that bite mainly between dusk and dawn in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific, early vaccination is important, particularly if you are travelling during peak transmission periods or to rural farming areas where pigs and wading birds (the natural hosts of the virus) are present.
Our specialist nurses will advise on the best timing based on your travel plans.
Vaccine Schedule
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is given as a course of 2 injections.
The standard Japanese encephalitis vaccine schedule is:
- First dose: Day 0
- Second dose: 28 days later
- For travellers with limited time before departure, a short accelerated schedule is available:
- First dose: Day 0
- Second dose: Day 7
- Booster: 1 year later, to maintain longer-term protection
Our clinicians will recommend the most appropriate schedule based on your travel timeline.
Booster Requirements
Protection from the vaccine typically lasts 1–2 years after the primary course, with the 1-year booster extending protection further.
A booster dose may be recommended if:
- You remain at ongoing risk
- You are travelling again to affected areas after this period
Our specialist nurses will advise whether a booster is required based on your travel history.
How the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Is Given
The vaccine is administered as an injection in the upper arm during your appointment.
Your visit typically lasts around 15 minutes and includes:
- A medical consultation
- Travel risk assessment
- Safe administration of the vaccine
Our goal is to provide a fast, convenient travel vaccination service in London, tailored to your itinerary.
How Long Does the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Last
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine provides protection for approximately 1–2 years after completing the primary course, and significantly longer once the 1-year booster is given.
Protection develops after the second dose, so it is important to complete the schedule before travel where possible.
Possible Side Effects
Most people tolerate the vaccine well. Japanese encephalitis vaccine side effects are usually mild and temporary.
Possible side effects include:
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
Serious side effects are very rare. Our specialist nurses will discuss any concerns with you before vaccination.
Who Should Have the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
The vaccine is recommended for travellers at increased risk, including:
- Those visiting rural or agricultural regions in Asia
- Travellers staying for extended periods
- Individuals with frequent travel to affected areas
- People engaging in outdoor activities such as camping or trekking
If you are unsure “do I need the Japanese encephalitis vaccine?”, our clinic will provide personalised advice based on your travel plans.
Risk of Catching Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection that affects the brain. It is primarily found in parts of Asia and can be more common in rural farming areas.
Japanese encephalitis symptoms may include:
- Sudden fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Confusion or neurological symptoms
In severe cases, the infection can lead to long-term neurological complications or be life-threatening. There is no specific cure, and treatment is supportive.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce your risk.
Our London Travel Clinics
We have four central London travel clinics in Liverpool Street, London Bridge, High Street Kensington, and Mayfair, convenient for anyone living or working in the city. We are open early mornings, lunchtimes, evenings, and weekends, providing all essential travel vaccinations and medications.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Japanese encephalitis is a serious viral infection that causes inflammation of the brain and is spread through mosquito bites in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific.
Japanese encephalitis is most common in South East Asia, the Indian subcontinent and parts of the Western Pacific, particularly in rural or agricultural areas where pigs and wading birds (the natural hosts) are present.
Japanese encephalitis is transmitted through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes, which are most active between dusk and dawn. The virus circulates between mosquitoes, pigs and wading birds in rural farming areas, and humans become infected when bitten by a carrier mosquito.
Japanese encephalitis symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting and confusion, and in severe cases may lead to brain inflammation, neurological damage or death.
Symptoms typically develop 5–15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
There is no cure for Japanese encephalitis. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications, but the disease can be extremely impactful and dangerous, with severe cases causing permanent neurological damage or death. This is why prevention through vaccination and bite avoidance is so important.
You may need the Japanese encephalitis vaccine if you are travelling to high-risk areas, especially for extended stays, rural travel or outdoor activities, our specialist nurses can assess your risk.
The vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting rural areas, staying for longer periods, or engaging in outdoor activities in regions where Japanese encephalitis is present.
The standard Japanese encephalitis vaccine schedule consists of 2 doses given 28 days apart. A short accelerated schedule is also available for travellers with limited time, with doses given on day 0 and day 7, followed by a booster at 1 year for longer-term protection.
The accelerated schedule is designed for travellers departing at short notice. The two primary doses are given just 7 days apart (day 0 and day 7), with a booster dose recommended 1 year later to maintain ongoing protection.
Protection typically lasts 1–2 years after the primary course and is extended further once the 1-year booster has been given. A further booster may be recommended if you remain at risk or travel again.
The vaccine is administered as an injection in the upper arm by a specialist nurse during a short clinic appointment.
Yes, the vaccine is suitable for adults and children from 2 months of age. Children typically receive a smaller dose of 0.25 ml, and the schedule will be tailored to their age and travel risk during the consultation.
Common Japanese encephalitis vaccine side effects include mild pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue and low-grade fever, with serious reactions being very rare.
Vaccination is the most effective prevention, alongside avoiding mosquito bites by using repellent, wearing protective clothing and sleeping under mosquito nets, particularly between dusk and dawn when Culex mosquitoes are most active.
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine cost at London Vaccination Clinic is £151 per dose, with a standard course of two doses required. Availability may vary, so please check our booking page or contact the clinic for current stock.
Yes, the Japanese encephalitis vaccine UK is available privately at specialist travel clinics like London Vaccination Clinic.
The vaccine may not be suitable if you are unwell, have had a previous allergic reaction to it, or have certain medical conditions—our specialist nurses will advise you.
You should ideally start the vaccine course at least 4–6 weeks before travel to allow time for full protection. If you are travelling sooner, ask our team about the accelerated schedule.
If you are searching for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine near me, London Vaccination Clinic offers convenient Central London locations with expert travel health advice.
