Japanese encephalitis vaccine.
Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious mosquito-borne brain infection found across rural parts of Asia and the Western Pacific. It’s not a vaccine every traveller needs, risk depends heavily on where you’re going, for how long, and what you’ll be doing, but for the right itinerary, it’s an important one to consider. Available with our GPhC-registered pharmacist, no GP referral needed.
What Japanese encephalitis is, and who is really at risk.
Japanese encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes that pick up the virus from infected pigs or birds, mainly in rural, agricultural areas of Asia and the Western Pacific, particularly around rice paddies and farmland. It cannot be spread from person to person. The illness is rare in travellers, but when it does cause symptoms, it can be serious, affecting the brain, so prevention matters for those genuinely at risk.
This is not a blanket recommendation for anyone visiting Asia. Short trips to major cities carry a very low risk and generally don’t need this vaccine. It becomes more relevant for longer stays, rural or agricultural itineraries, outdoor activities, travel during the mosquito transmission season, or accommodation without screens, air conditioning, or bed nets. Your pharmacist will assess your specific itinerary to confirm whether it’s appropriate for you.
Is the Japanese encephalitis vaccine right for you?
Generally, a month or more spent in rural parts of Asia or the Western Pacific increases the relevance of this vaccine.
Particularly time spent around rice paddies, farmland, or areas with pig-rearing, where the mosquitoes that carry the virus are most common.
Often linked to the monsoon and post-monsoon period, when mosquito activity is at its highest.
Hiking, camping, or cycling, especially where accommodation lacks screens, air conditioning, or bed nets.
If your exact route or duration isn’t fixed, vaccination may be considered as a precaution.
Full price list available on this page ↓. Prices subject to change, please confirm at the clinic.
How the Japanese encephalitis vaccine course works.
Standard schedule, 2 doses
Given 28 days apart. This is the usual approach for children, adults over 65, and where there’s no time pressure.
Accelerated schedule, if travelling sooner
For adults aged 18 to 65 only, the second dose can be given just 7 days after the first, allowing the course to be completed in around 2 weeks.
Final dose at least 1 week before exposure
Whichever schedule is used, the second dose needs to be given at least a week before entering a risk area, to allow protection to develop.
Booster for continued or repeat risk
If you remain at risk, a booster dose is generally recommended 12 to 24 months after the primary course. Your Halaxy record helps track when this may be due.
Book your Japanese encephalitis vaccine.
Book early where possible, this course takes longer to complete than most other travel vaccines. Can usually be given alongside your other travel vaccines in one visit.
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113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG · GPhC Registered
Book — Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination
Veritas Pharmacy · 113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG
Japanese encephalitis vaccine prices.
Price per dose. The full course is 2 doses. Prices are subject to change, please confirm at the clinic before booking.
| Vaccine | Course | Price per dose |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Encephalitis | 2 doses | £105.00 |
Japanese encephalitis vaccine FAQs.
What does the Japanese encephalitis vaccine protect against?
Do I need this vaccine for any trip to Asia?
How many doses do I need?
How soon before travel should I complete the course?
How long does protection last?
Can children have this vaccine?
Are there any side effects?
Related vaccines and services.
Rabies Vaccine
Another vaccine considered for longer stays and more rural itineraries in Asia and beyond.
Learn more →Typhoid Vaccine
A common recommendation for the same regions, protecting against a food and water-borne risk.
Learn more →All Travel Vaccinations
See every destination and vaccine we cover as part of our full pre-travel health service.
Learn more →