If you’re planning a trip to Asia, whether for adventure, volunteering, or business, protecting your health should be part of your travel checklist. One important consideration is Japanese encephalitis (JE), a serious mosquito-borne infection that still affects rural regions across Asia and the western Pacific.
According to NHS Fit for Travel, around 68,000 cases of Japanese encephalitis occur worldwide each year, and up to 30% of those with severe infection do not survive. Although rare in UK travellers, the consequences can be life-threatening, which makes timely vaccination and proper mosquito protection essential before you set off.
What is Japanese Encephalitis, and How Does It Spread?
Japanese encephalitis is a viral brain infection transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly in rural areas of Asia and the western Pacific. It’s most common in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Nepal, and parts of China.
How the infection occurs
Mosquitoes pick up the virus from infected animals, usually pigs or wading birds, and then pass it to humans through bites. The infection cannot spread from person to person.
Symptoms to look out for
Most people infected with JE don’t experience any symptoms. However, in severe cases, it can cause high fever, headache, neck stiffness, confusion, seizures, and swelling of the brain. These symptoms can develop suddenly and may require urgent treatment.
Long-term effects
Even after recovery, some people can experience long-lasting complications such as muscle weakness, speech problems, or neurological issues.
Who Should Get the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine?
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is mainly recommended for travellers spending extended periods in rural or agricultural areas of Asia.
You may need the vaccine if you:
- Plan to travel or stay in high-risk areas for more than a month.
- Will be backpacking, camping, or working outdoors.
- Are visiting during or just after the rainy season when mosquito numbers are high.
- Are unsure about the level of risk in your travel destination and want professional guidance.
Even short-term visitors can be advised to get vaccinated if they are likely to spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in the evening or near rice fields.
Our travel vaccine clinic offers clear, practical travel health advice so you can make an informed decision based on your destination, trip duration, and planned activities.
When and How Is the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Given?
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is given as two injections, spaced 28 days apart. To ensure full protection, you should complete the course at least one week before you travel.
How long does protection last?
The vaccine offers long-term protection, usually lasting for at least one to two years. A booster may be recommended if you are travelling again to an area where the disease is common.
What to expect after vaccination
Mild side effects such as soreness, redness at the injection site, or a slight fever can occur. These effects usually pass within a couple of days.
If you have any existing allergies or health conditions, speak to our pharmacists before booking your appointment so we can ensure the vaccine is suitable for you.
How Else Can You Protect Yourself from Mosquito-Borne Diseases?
Even if you are vaccinated, mosquito bite prevention remains essential. The Japanese encephalitis vaccine protects against one infection, but mosquitoes can also transmit other diseases like dengue fever, malaria, and Zika virus.
Smart travel habits include:
- Using insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin
- Wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing and trousers
- Sleeping under mosquito nets if you are staying in rural or outdoor accommodation
- Keeping windows and doors closed or using mesh screens
These small precautions can make a big difference in reducing your risk of infection.
Where Can You Get the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine in the UK?
If you’re planning a trip to Asia, it’s best to get your vaccination at a registered travel clinic in advance. At Townsend Pharmacy, our travel clinic in Merstham provides expert advice and Japanese encephalitis vaccination for Asia travel in a safe, friendly setting.
Our trained pharmacists will review your travel plans, advise on additional vaccines you may need, and help you prepare for a healthy trip abroad.
Booking your appointment
You can book your consultation online or visit our travel vaccine clinic to discuss your itinerary. We’ll help you understand which vaccinations and preventive steps are suitable for your destination.
Preparing for your visit
Bring details of your past travel vaccines, if available, and let our team know if you have any allergies or previous vaccine reactions. This helps us personalise your vaccination plan safely and effectively.
Ready to Stay Protected on Your Next Adventure?
Don’t let preventable illnesses affect your travel experience. With the right vaccination and guidance, you can explore Asia with peace of mind, knowing you’re protected from serious mosquito-borne diseases.
Book your appointment at our travel clinic in Merstham or get professional travel health advice from our team today.
FAQs
- Do I really need the Japanese encephalitis vaccine for short trips to Asia?
It depends on where you’re travelling and what you’ll be doing. Most short city breaks pose a very low risk, but if you plan to spend time in rural or farming areas or stay outdoors in the evening, vaccination is strongly advised. Our pharmacists can assess your exact itinerary and advise whether the vaccine is necessary for your trip.
- When should I get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine before travelling?
You should start your vaccination course at least six weeks before departure, as the two doses are given 28 days apart. Finishing the course at least a week before you travel ensures full protection. If you’re travelling soon, speak to our travel vaccine clinic experts for urgent scheduling options.
- How long does the Japanese encephalitis vaccine protect UK travellers for?
After completing the two-dose course, the vaccine usually offers protection for at least one to two years. Frequent travellers or those visiting high-risk areas again after this period may be advised to have a booster dose to stay protected.
- Can I get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine privately in the UK?
Yes. Many community pharmacies and private travel clinics provide the vaccine without the need for a GP appointment. At Townsend Pharmacy’s travel clinic in Merstham, our pharmacists offer convenient appointments and full travel health advice personalised to your journey.
- Is the Japanese encephalitis vaccine safe, and what are the side effects?
The JE vaccine is considered very safe. Most side effects are mild and short-lived, such as redness or tenderness at the injection site or a low-grade fever. Serious reactions are extremely rare. Our pharmacists will discuss your medical history to make sure it’s suitable for you.
- Do I still need mosquito protection after getting the vaccine?
Yes. The Japanese encephalitis vaccine protects only against that specific virus. You should still use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and sleep under mosquito nets to prevent other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria during your trip.