Japanese Encephalitis

A mosquito driven infection found in SE and South Asia. Japanese Encephalitis is commonly given to backpackers and long-stay tourists

Why Local Travellers Choose St Albans Travel Clinic (Markyate Pharmacy)

Planning an adventure across Southeast Asia, East Asia, or the Western Pacific? For rural stays, farm visits, volunteering, backpacking, or long-term travel, the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine can be a crucial line of defence. At St Albans Travel Clinic (Markyate Pharmacy), we make it simple to protect yourself before you fly.

Prime High Street Location, Evening Hours & Easy Parking

We’re easy to reach at 40 High St, Markyate, St Albans, AL3 8PB, ideal for travellers from St Albans, Harpenden, Redbourn, Hemel Hempstead, Luton, Dunstable, Wheathampstead, Sandridge, London Colney, and beyond.
Opening hours:

  • Monday: 9 am–7 pm

  • Tuesday: 9 am–7 pm

  • Wednesday: 9 am–6 pm

  • Thursday: 9 am–7 pm

  • Friday: 9 am–7 pm

  • Saturday: Closed | Sunday: Closed
    Phone: 01582 840602
    Searching for “Japanese Encephalitis vaccine near me” or “JE jab St Albans”? You’ve found your local clinic.

Fast Online Booking, Phone Support & Transparent Pricing

Reserve in seconds via our booking portal or call 01582 840602 for advice. We keep costs clear—see pricing—and we’ll map your doses to your flight dates.

Clinician-Led Risk Assessments for Asia Trips

Our travel pharmacists review your route, season, accommodation, and activities (e.g., time near rice paddies, pig farms, wetlands, or rural villages) to advise on the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine and any additional vaccines (Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Rabies, etc.). Explore related services at stalbanstravel.clinic/services and stalbanstravel.clinic/destinations.
Travelling via Bedford too? Check out our sister site at: https://bedfordtravelclinic.co.uk/.

Regional Coverage & Sister Site

If appointments in St Albans don’t fit your schedule, our team can often arrange alternatives—Check out our sister site at: https://bedfordtravelclinic.co.uk/ for more availability.

What is Japanese Encephalitis? Understanding the Virus & Where It’s Found

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can inflame the brain (encephalitis). While most infections are asymptomatic, severe cases can lead to paralysis, seizures, coma, or death, and survivors can face long-term neurological complications. The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is strongly recommended for travellers spending time in rural or agricultural areas across parts of Asia and the Western Pacific.

JE Risk Regions: Southeast Asia & Western Pacific

JE is present in parts of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia (selected islands), the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore (low risk but present), India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, Japan, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, and Pacific territories. Risk increases outside cities, particularly where rice cultivation and pig rearing occur.
See destination snapshots:

How JE Spreads: Mosquitoes, Rice Paddies & Pig Farms

JE is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which breed in standing water around rice fields, irrigation channels, ponds, and flooded land. Pigs are important amplifying hosts—areas near pig farming have higher mosquito infection rates. Urban, short-stay city trips generally carry lower risk, while rural, dusk-to-dawn outdoor exposure increases it.

Who’s Most at Risk (Trip Types, Durations & Activities)

  • Backpackers, volunteers, field researchers, and expats in rural provinces

  • Families staying in villages near rice paddies or livestock

  • Adventure travellers camping, cycling, birdwatching, or trekking in rural parks

  • Longer trips (e.g., >1 month) or repeated visits to endemic areas

Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis: From Mild to Severe

Incubation Period & Early Symptoms

Symptoms typically appear 5–15 days after exposure. Many people have no symptoms; others experience fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and general malaise.

Neurological Complications & Long-Term Effects

A small percentage progress to encephalitis with stiff neck, high fever, tremors, seizures, confusion, and weakness. Severe cases can lead to paralysis, coma, or death. Survivors may face long-lasting neurological problems.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

If you develop severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, seizures, or persistent high fever during or after travel, seek urgent medical attention. For broad NHS travel advice, see the links above.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine: Schedules, Boosters & Rapid Options

In the UK, JE vaccination is usually given with an inactivated vaccine regimen suitable for adults and children.

Standard Adult & Child Schedule

  • Dose 1: Day 0

  • Dose 2: 28 days after Dose 1
    This two-dose primary course provides strong protection for most travellers. For ongoing risk, a booster is typically advised 12–24 months after the primary series (then at longer intervals depending on age/risk).

Accelerated Schedules for Last-Minute Travel

Short on time? Certain age groups can use an accelerated schedule (e.g., Day 0 and Day 7) to build protection faster, followed by the booster at 12 months for durability. We’ll confirm eligibility and timing during your consultation.
Book now and we’ll map the schedule to your flights: stalbanstravel.clinic/booking.
P.S. Check out our sister site at: https://bedfordtravelclinic.co.uk/ if you need extra appointment options.

Longevity, Boosters & Age Considerations

  • Protection is robust after the primary course; boosters keep immunity topped up if you’ll return to rural Asia.

  • Older travellers (e.g., 60+) may require tailored advice on booster intervals.

  • We’ll also plan around children’s dosing and any co-administered vaccines.

Clinical Evidence & Guidance: How Well Does the JE Vaccine Work?

Efficacy, Real-World Protection & Severity Reduction

Clinical trials and surveillance data show the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine produces strong neutralising antibody responses and high effectiveness against disease. While JE in travellers is uncommon, the impact of severe disease justifies vaccination for those at risk. Vaccinated individuals are far less likely to develop encephalitis.

WHO & NHS Travel Guidance (What to Read)

Safety & Side Effects: What Most Travellers Experience

Common, Mild & Expected Reactions

  • Soreness, redness, or mild swelling at the injection site

  • Headache, tiredness, low-grade fever, or muscle aches
    These usually settle within 48–72 hours. Rest, fluids, and simple pain relief (if suitable for you) can help.

Rare Reactions & Who Should Delay Vaccination

Severe reactions are rare. We’ll screen for:

  • Allergy to previous JE vaccine or components

  • Moderate/severe acute illness (postpone until recovered)

  • Pregnancy/breastfeeding: risk–benefit discussion for essential travel
    If you’re unsure, book a quick review call via stalbanstravel.clinic/booking or ring 01582 840602.
    And yes—Check out our sister site at: https://bedfordtravelclinic.co.uk/ for more slots.

Mosquito Bite Prevention: Practical Steps That Work in Asia

Vaccination + smart habits = best protection.

Repellents, Clothing & Accommodation Tips

  • Use a proven repellent on exposed skin (e.g., DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus/PMD as appropriate).

  • Wear long sleeves and trousers, especially at dusk and dawn.

  • Treat clothing with permethrin where appropriate.

  • Choose air-conditioned or screened rooms; use bed nets if needed.

Timing Your Activities & Using Bed Nets

Avoid mosquito hotspots at dusk/dawn, keep windows/doors closed, and ensure nets are intact and tucked. Fans help reduce mosquito landings.

Travel Insurance & Medical Access Abroad

Carry travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, and keep a list of nearby clinics/hospitals at your destination. Share your itinerary with someone at home.

Planning Your Asia Itinerary: Country Guides & Dose Timing

Popular JE Destinations & Seasonal Risks

Risk peaks in monsoon and post-monsoon periods when standing water persists. Country and region matter—rural provinces with rice farming and pig rearing carry higher risk than central urban districts.

Combining JE with Other Travel Vaccines

We can schedule JE alongside:

Local SEO Essentials: Serving St Albans, Markyate & Hertfordshire Travellers

Areas We Serve (Near-Me Keywords)

If you’re searching “Japanese Encephalitis vaccine near me”, “JE vaccine St Albans”, “travel clinic Markyate High Street”, or “mosquito vaccine Hertfordshire”, we regularly support travellers from St Albans city centre, Fleetville, Marshalswick, Harpenden, Redbourn, Wheathampstead, Hemel Hempstead, Luton, Dunstable, Sandridge, Bricket Wood, London Colney, and neighbouring villages.

Address, Opening Hours & Contact

📍 40 High St, Markyate, St Albans, AL3 8PB
📞 01582 840602
🕘 Mon 9–7 | Tue 9–7 | Wed 9–6 | Thu 9–7 | Fri 9–7 | Sat/Sun Closed

Step-by-Step: How to Book Your JE Vaccine in St Albans

  1. Reserve your slot at stalbanstravel.clinic/booking.

  2. Tell us your destinations, dates, and activities.

  3. Attend Markyate Pharmacy for your first dose and personalised plan.

  4. We’ll schedule dose 2 (28 days later) or discuss accelerated options.

  5. Receive email/SMS reminders so you don’t miss any doses.

If you need additional availability, Check out our sister site at: https://bedfordtravelclinic.co.uk/.

Pricing, Receipts & Employer/Insurance Notes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who should consider getting the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine?
A: Travellers spending extended time in rural or agricultural regions of Asia/the Western Pacific—especially near rice paddies or pig farms—should strongly consider the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine. Backpackers, volunteers, families, and expats are common candidates.

Q2: When should I get vaccinated before travel?
A: Ideally, complete the two-dose course at least 1 month before travel (Dose 1 at Day 0, Dose 2 at Day 28). If you’re short on time, ask about accelerated schedules. Book now: stalbanstravel.clinic/booking.
Alt option nearby: Check out our sister site at: https://bedfordtravelclinic.co.uk/.

Q3: How long does the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine last?
A: The primary series offers long-term protection; if you’ll have ongoing or repeat exposure, a booster (typically at 12–24 months) may be recommended, with further boosters based on risk and age.

Q4: Are there side effects to the JE vaccine?
A: Most are mild—injection-site soreness, mild fever, tiredness, or headache—resolving within a couple of days. Serious reactions are rare. See NHS guidance:

Q5: Can I take the JE vaccine with other travel vaccines?
A: Often, yes. We routinely co-plan JE with Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Rabies, Influenza, etc., aligned to your itinerary and timing. Explore services.

Q6: I’m only going for 10–14 days—do I still need it?
A: Risk depends on exposure. Short city breaks are lower risk, but even brief rural stays—especially at dusk/dawn near paddies or livestock—can justify vaccination. We’ll assess your plan and advise.

Q7: Do I still need mosquito precautions if I’m vaccinated?
A: Definitely. Use repellents, long clothing, screens/AC, and bed nets where needed. Vaccination reduces risk but doesn’t replace bite avoidance.

Q8: Do you send reminders for my second dose and boosters?
A: Yes. We provide SMS/email reminders so your protection is on time—ideal if you’re juggling multiple vaccines.

Q9: Where are you located and what are your hours?
A: Markyate Pharmacy, 40 High St, St Albans, AL3 8PB.
Mon 9–7 | Tue 9–7 | Wed 9–6 | Thu 9–7 | Fri 9–7 | Sat/Sun Closed. Phone 01582 840602.

Q10: Do you have another clinic nearby?
A: Yes—Check out our sister site at: https://bedfordtravelclinic.co.uk/.

Conclusion & Next Steps

For rural adventures across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Western Pacific, the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is a smart, evidence-based safeguard—especially for travellers exploring rice-growing regions, wetlands, or villages near livestock. At St Albans Travel Clinic (Markyate Pharmacy), we’ll tailor your vaccination schedule, provide practical bite-prevention strategies, and get you trip-ready—on time.

📍 Address: 40 High St, Markyate, St Albans, AL3 8PB
📞 Phone: 01582 840602
🕘 Hours: Mon 9–7 | Tue 9–7 | Wed 9–6 | Thu 9–7 | Fri 9–7 | Sat/Sun Closed

Cant Find A Suitable Appointment?

Drop us a message and we will get back to you

01582 840602

hello@stalbanstravel.clinic

40 High St, Markyate, St Albans AL3 8PB