Travel vaccine
Japanese Encephalitis
A mosquito-borne brain infection that can cause severe illness in travellers to rural Asia.
About the disease
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that affects the brain. Most people who are infected have no symptoms at all, but in a small number the virus causes a serious illness with high fever, seizures and inflammation of the brain. When severe disease does develop it can be life-changing, which is why prevention matters so much for anyone heading to a higher-risk region.
Where the risk is
The virus circulates across much of rural Asia and the Western Pacific. Cases tend to rise during and just after the rainy season, when mosquito numbers peak around rice paddies and areas where pigs are kept. Short city-based trips carry a low risk, but longer stays, agricultural travel and rural overnight trips raise the chance of exposure.
The vaccine and protecting yourself
A two-dose course gives strong protection, and we can discuss whether the accelerated schedule suits your timeline. Vaccination works best alongside good mosquito precautions: cover up at dusk, use an effective repellent and sleep under a net where needed. To plan your doses around your departure date, book a travel consultation at Crewe Pharmacy, 139-141 Nantwich Road, and our team will tailor the timing to your trip.
How it spreads
Spread by Culex mosquitoes that bite mainly between dusk and dawn, often near rice fields and pig farming areas.
Who should be vaccinated
Travellers spending extended time, or visiting rural and farming areas, in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific, especially during the monsoon season.
Vaccination schedule
2 doses given 28 days apart (an accelerated 7-day course may be possible for adults)
Boosters
A booster is advised after 1-2 years for those with continued exposure.
Possible side effects
Soreness at the injection site, headache, muscle aches and mild tiredness for a day or two.
Regions where there is a risk
South-East Asia, Indian subcontinent, East Asia, Western Pacific.
Japanese Encephalitis — frequently asked questions
Which travellers need the Japanese encephalitis vaccine?
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for travellers spending extended time, or visiting rural and farming areas, in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific, especially during the monsoon season. Those staying near rice fields or pig farming areas are at greater risk. Short city-based trips carry low risk, so we will assess your itinerary to advise whether you need it.
How many doses of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine are needed and how far apart?
The standard course is 2 doses given 28 days apart. For adults who are short on time, an accelerated schedule with the doses just 7 days apart may be possible. When you book your travel consultation at Crewe Pharmacy, we will check your departure date and recommend the schedule that fits your timeline.
How long does the Japanese encephalitis vaccine protect for?
A completed two-dose course gives strong protection, and a booster is advised after 1 to 2 years for those with continued exposure to risk areas. If you travel repeatedly to affected regions, keeping your protection topped up matters. For a one-off trip, the primary course is usually sufficient, and we can advise based on your future travel plans.
How far in advance should I have the Japanese encephalitis vaccine?
Ideally start the course at least a month before travel, as the standard schedule runs over 28 days and protection needs time to develop after the second dose. If your departure is sooner, the accelerated 7-day course may help adults complete it in time. Contact Crewe Pharmacy early so we can plan your doses around your trip.
What side effects does the Japanese encephalitis vaccine have?
Side effects are generally mild and brief. You may experience soreness at the injection site, headache, muscle aches and mild tiredness for a day or two. These usually settle on their own. Serious reactions are rare, and our team will check you over and answer any concerns before you leave the pharmacy.
Is the Japanese encephalitis vaccine available on the NHS or private at Crewe Pharmacy?
Japanese encephalitis is not routinely available on the NHS as it is a travel vaccine, so it is provided privately. At Crewe Pharmacy the cost is £95 per dose. As the course needs 2 doses, we will explain the full cost during your travel consultation so you can plan ahead.
How much does the Japanese encephalitis vaccine cost in Crewe?
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine costs £95 per dose at Crewe Pharmacy. With a standard two-dose course, your total covers both injections needed for full protection. To discuss pricing and arrange your appointments, call us on 01270 215837 or visit 139-141 Nantwich Road to book a travel consultation.
Where is the risk of Japanese encephalitis highest?
The risk is highest in rural parts of South-East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, East Asia and the Western Pacific. Cases peak during and just after the rainy season, when mosquitoes thrive around rice paddies and pig farming areas. Longer stays, agricultural travel and rural overnight trips raise your chance of exposure compared with short city visits.