Step 1 - Learn about the disease and vaccines

What is Japanese encephalitis?

-

Who is at risk?

JE is a risk in 24 countries, mainly in Asia

  • Anyone who travels to or lives in risk areas can get JE
  • Around 100,000 people get sick and 25,000 people die from JE each year worldwide2
  • Most travellers to JE risk areas don’t get JE

    • Find out more

    How can I prevent JE?

    Avoiding mosquito bites

    Whether or not you decide to get vaccinated, you should try to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes that spread the JE virus are active in the evening and at night. Other mosquitoes, like those that spread dengue, are active during the day. It’s important to protect yourself from bites all day and night.

    -

    Using insect repellent

  • Apply a thin, even layer to exposed skin
  • Check the label to see when to reapply
  • Repellents that contain DEET or picaridin offer the best protection
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) repellents also work but you need to apply them more often
  • Wrist bands, patches and stickers aren’t a reliable way to prevent mosquito bites

    • Get vaccinated

    Two safe and effective JE vaccines are available in Australia: Imojev and Jespect3. Look at the table below to see how they compare.

    -

    Imojev®

    JEspect®

    Type of vaccine

    Live vaccine

    Inactivated (not live)

    Number of doses needed

    One dose

    Two doses, 7-28 days apart^

    Booster doses
    (if ongoing risk)

    At 1 year for children

    Not needed for adults (18+)

    At 1 year

    Estimated cost*

    $250-300 (one dose)

    $200-300 (about $100 per dose)

    When does protection start?

    Around 2 weeks after first dose

    Around 2 weeks after second dose

    How long does protection last?

    After 1 dose (adults): 5+ years

    After 2 doses (children): 5+ years

    After 2 doses (all ages): 1-2 years

    After booster dose: 5+ years

    Not recommended for

    Children less than 9 months of age

    Pregnant women

    People with weakened immune systems

    Children less than 2 months of age

    *Costs can change due to supply and other factors. People living in some parts of Australia and certain workers can get the JE vaccine for free. Visit https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/japanese-encephalitis-virus-jev-infection#prevention for more details.
    ^Giving the vaccine doses 7 days apart has been studied in adults but not children

    -

    -