Japanese encephalitis virus is an inactivated vaccine. JEspect is given as 2 doses, either 28 days apart, or 7 days apart in adults if they are at risk of immediate exposure to the virus. It is recommended for use in people aged 2 months and over. People who have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised) or pregnant people can receive this vaccine. JEspect is distributed by Seqirus.
Common side effects of JEV vaccines are pain, tenderness, redness, swelling where the vaccine was given. Fever may occur, more often in children. Headache or muscle aches can also occur, mainly in adults. These side effects usually go away within a few days. Severe reactions to JEV vaccine are very rare. As with any medicine, there is a very small chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction.
Japanese encephalitis virus is a very low risk disease for most travelers to JE-endemic countries. However, some travelers will be at increased risk of infection based on factors including longer periods of travel, travel during the JE virus transmission season, spending time in rural areas, participating in a lot of outdoor activities, and staying in accommodations without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets.
There’s currently 1 vaccine for Japanese encephalitis permitted for use in the UK. This is for adults and children aged 2 months and older. The vaccine is given as an injection. You need 2 doses for full protection. The second dose is given 28 days after the first.
You should get vaccinated if you’re planning a long stay in a high-risk country (usually at least a month), visiting a high-risk area during the rainy season or where there’s a year-round risk because there’s a tropical climate,visiting rural areas in a high-risk country, such as rice fields, marshlands or somewhere close to pig farms, taking part in activities while in a high-risk country that may increase your risk of becoming infected, such as cycling or camping,working in a laboratory with potential exposure to the virus. Ask for more information to member of our team on vaccination program.