Planning a trip to Asia or the Western Pacific for work, study, or adventure? It’s important to be aware of the health risks that may not exist here in the UK. According to the UK Health Security Agency, around 68,000 cases of Japanese encephalitis occur each year across 24 countries where the disease is present. Although the risk to most UK travellers is small, the consequences of infection can be severe.
In this article, we explain what Japanese encephalitis is, who should consider vaccination, and how you can easily get your Japanese encephalitis vaccination in Croydon before you travel.
What Is Japanese Encephalitis, and Why Does It Matter for Travellers?
Japanese encephalitis is a serious mosquito-borne viral infection that affects the brain. It is most common in rural areas of Asia, particularly where rice fields and pig farms are present. While the infection is rare among UK travellers, it can lead to severe illness or long-term complications in some cases.
There is no specific treatment for JE, so vaccination and mosquito bite prevention remain the best protection methods.
How Does Japanese Encephalitis Spread?
The virus spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly active at dusk and dawn. These mosquitoes usually breed in rural or agricultural areas, not in urban environments.
Although the risk is low for most short-term travellers, those spending extended periods outdoors, camping, or visiting rural regions have a higher chance of exposure.
What Are the Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis?
Most people infected do not show symptoms. However, severe cases can lead to:
- High fever and headaches
- Confusion or seizures
- Muscle weakness
- Swelling around the brain
About one in four severe cases can be fatal, which is why prevention is so important.
Who Should Get the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine in the UK?
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is generally recommended for travellers spending a month or more in rural areas of Asia or parts of the Western Pacific. It may also be advised for shorter trips if your travel includes outdoor activities such as hiking or camping.
How Is the JE Vaccine Given?
The JE vaccine for travellers is typically given as two doses, spaced four weeks apart. For the best protection, the course should be completed at least a week before travel. A booster may be recommended for those returning to high-risk regions.
Our pharmacists can guide you on the schedule based on your travel dates and health condition.
Is the Vaccine Safe and Effective?
The JE vaccine used in the UK has been tested through multiple clinical trials and is proven to be safe and effective. Mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site or a mild fever may occur, but serious reactions are rare.
For additional reassurance, you can always ask our pharmacists for personalised advice based on your medical history.
Where Can You Get the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination in Croydon?
If you are searching for where to get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, local community pharmacies like Anna Pharmacy offer convenient access. Our travel clinic in Croydon provides expert travel health services, including JE vaccination and other essential travel vaccines.
What Other Travel Vaccines Should You Consider?
Depending on your destination, you may also need:
- Hepatitis A and B vaccines
- Typhoid vaccine
- Rabies vaccine
- Cholera vaccine
Our pharmacists can assess your travel itinerary and recommend suitable travel vaccines in Croydon to ensure complete protection.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
When visiting our clinic:
- Bring your travel itinerary and past vaccination records.
- Allow enough time before your trip to complete both JE vaccine doses.
- Ask about mosquito-borne disease prevention in the UK and abroad, including using repellents and protective clothing.
How Can You Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases While Travelling?
Even with vaccination, taking precautions against mosquito bites is essential for full protection.
Simple Tips for Mosquito Bite Prevention
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
- Sleep under a mosquito net if accommodation is open to the outdoors.
- Wear long sleeves and trousers during dusk and dawn.
- Avoid areas with stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
These preventive measures also reduce the risk of other mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue or Zika virus.
Ready to Protect Yourself Before Travelling?
If your trip includes destinations where Japanese encephalitis is present, vaccination offers peace of mind and protection. Our travel clinic in Croydon provides easy access to the JE vaccine and a full range of travel health advice.
Book an appointment at Anna Pharmacy for your Japanese encephalitis vaccination in Croydon and expert guidance on safe, healthy travel.
FAQs
- How far in advance should I get my Japanese encephalitis vaccination before travelling?
It is best to complete both doses of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine at least one week before your departure. Since the two doses are given four weeks apart, you should ideally start your vaccination course at least six weeks before travel to ensure full protection.
- Do I need the Japanese encephalitis vaccine if I am only visiting cities in Asia?
If you are staying mainly in urban areas with limited outdoor activity, your risk is low, and vaccination may not be necessary. However, if your trip involves visiting rural regions, local farms, or outdoor night activities, our pharmacists may recommend the vaccine as a precaution.
- Can I get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine at my local travel clinic in Croydon?
Yes, you can get the Japanese encephalitis vaccination in Croydon at travel clinics like Anna Pharmacy. Our pharmacists provide personalised travel health advice, assess your travel plans, and administer JE and other essential travel vaccines for full protection.
- How long does the Japanese encephalitis vaccine protect me for?
After completing the two-dose course, protection usually lasts for at least one year and can extend up to two years in most adults. If you continue to travel to or work in high-risk areas, a booster dose may be recommended after 12–24 months to maintain immunity.
- Can I receive the Japanese encephalitis vaccine alongside other travel vaccines?
Yes, the JE vaccine can safely be given during the same visit as other travel vaccines such as hepatitis A, typhoid, or rabies. Our pharmacist will schedule your vaccines appropriately to minimise side effects and ensure maximum protection before you travel.
- What are the most common side effects of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine?
Most people experience only mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or a mild fever. These symptoms typically resolve within a couple of days. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and the vaccine’s safety has been well established through clinical trials in the UK.