Japanese Encephalitis

The following section outlines some vaccine and disease related information about Japanese Encephalitis

What is Japanese Encephalitis (JE)?

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a severe infection caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus. It's a serious health concern that can lead to inflammation of the brain and potentially severe complications, including death.

How is Japanese Encephalitis (JE) transmitted?

JE is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become carriers of the virus when they feed on infected hosts, typically pigs and wild birds. Humans and other mammals do not develop high enough levels of the virus in their blood to infect mosquitoes.

Where is Japanese Encephalitis (JE) most common, and who is at risk?

JE is most common in rural parts of Asia and the Western Pacific region. Travelers to these areas, particularly those who plan to spend time outdoors or in rural settings, may be at risk and should consider getting vaccinated. However, the risk to most travelers is extremely low.

Is the JE vaccine recommended for pregnant women?

The safety and efficacy of the JE vaccine are not well-studied in pregnant women. If a pregnant woman must travel to an area with a high JE infection risk, the vaccine should only be given if the potential risk of the disease outweighs the unknown risk of vaccination to the woman and her unborn child.

Is the JE vaccine recommended for lactating women?

Like pregnant women, the impact of the JE vaccine on lactating women and their infants is not well-established. If a lactating woman needs to travel to an area with high JE risk, vaccination should be considered only if the potential risk of the disease outweighs the unknown risk of vaccination to the woman and her breastfeeding child.

Can immunocompromised individuals receive the JE vaccine?

Yes, immunocompromised individuals can receive the JE vaccine if travel to a JE risk area is necessary. However, their immune response may not be as effective.

What precautions should immunocompromised individuals take when receiving the JE vaccine?

Immunocompromised individuals should take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites, as their antibody response to the vaccine may be suboptimal.

What is the recommended dose for the JE vaccine?

The recommended dose for the JE vaccine is a series of two doses given on days 0 and 28. It's important that the doses are administered at least 10 to 14 days before potential exposure to JE.

What is the recommended schedule if there's insufficient time for the regular JE vaccine schedule?

If there's insufficient time to complete the two-dose schedule before potential JE exposure, a single dose of the vaccine may be considered. However, this might not provide reliable protection.