Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

We offer the Japanese encephalitis vaccine in our travel clinic in Maidstone. Just make a booking online and present yourself at the clinic at the scheduled time.We also provide a wide range of other travel and non-travel vaccines and antimalarials.

Booking a travel clinic appointment in Maidstone

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination

Japanese encephalitis vaccination course comprises of two doses. Second dose is administered 28 days after first dose and you get protection only after 7 days of second dose. So, you need to get first dose at least 35 days before the travel. In a faster course you can get first dose 2 weeks before travel. You will need booster only 12 months after the vaccination as protection lasts for 12 months.

What is Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis is a viral brain disease transmitted by mosquito bites. This virus is found in pigs and birds, nevertheless it can spread to humans only through mosquito bites. It is not transmissible from one person to another. Most people will have mild or no symptoms but the virus can cause severe symptoms in some and lead to serious long term complications. This ailment is most prevalent in the Far East, the pacific islands and rural Southeast Asia. The ailment is quite rare in travellers. The ailment lacks cure but can be treated by helping the body fight the infection.

What are the main risk factors for Japanese Encephalitis?             

There are various behaviours that can raise your risk of infection, including:

  • travelling to high-risk locations and staying for an extended period there; 
  • visiting rural areas, particularly during the rainy season; 
  • Camping, cycling, or working outside in rural areas.
What are the main symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis?

Majority of people infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus have no symptoms or mild temporary symptoms frequently misdiagnosed as influenza.Approximately 1 in 250 affected individuals suffers more severe symptoms though when the infection progresses to the brain. This usually happens between 5 and 15 days following the infection.

Symptoms may consist of:

  • a high temperature (fever)
  • Inability to talk 
  • seizures (fits)
  • Weakness or paralysis of muscles
  • Confusion
  • a stiff neck
  • Uncontrollable shaking of the body (tremor)


One in three of those who develop severe symptoms die from the infection and above mentioned symptoms subside in survivors gradually. Full recovery can take many months though and half of the survivors are left with chronic brain damage leading to personality changes, muscle weakness, tremors and muscular twitches, paralysis of one or more limbs and learning difficulties.

Which are the most at-risk areas for Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis cases are noticed across Asia and beyond. Most cases occur in:

  • China
  • Indonesia
  • Cambodia
  • Myanmar (Burma)
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Laos
  • India
  • Philippines
  • Sri Lanka
  • Nepal
  • Malaysia


Japanese encephalitis despite its name is very rare in Japan because of mass immunisations.

Japanese-Encephalitis-Vaccine
Ways to minimise the risk of Japanese Encephalitis during travel

The most vital aspect of prevention is avoiding getting bitten by mosquitoes, especially after dark, when these particular mosquitoes are most active.It is recommended that people who are at risk wear appropriate clothing, use insect repellents and sleep under mosquito nets.If you are travelling to a high risk area, consider getting the vaccine. Book a consultation scheduled 6 to 8 weeks before travel to ensure that you have sufficient time to get the essential vaccination doses.

Japanese Encephalitis vaccine in Maidstone

If you want the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine for travel, you can book an appointment online with our travel vaccination clinic in Maidstone.We provide an all-inclusive range of travel vaccinations and antimalarials. It is recommended that you book your appointment scheduled 6-8 weeks prior to your travel to make sure that you can receive the recommended vaccinations on time.

Booking a travel clinic appointment in Maidstone

Maidstone Travel Clinic,
97 Heath Road, Coxheath ME17 4EH

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