Protect yourself from Japanese encephalitis abroad

Get tailored Japanese encephalitis vaccination and bite prevention advice for travel from South Ealing Pharmacy, serving Ealing and West London.

  • Local travel expertise
  • Child and adult dosing
  • Practical mosquito advice
South Ealing Pharmacy

Japanese encephalitis made clear

Japanese encephalitis is a viral brain infection spread by mosquito bites in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific. Most infections are mild or symptom free. A small number become severe and can be life threatening with lasting problems.

Your risk depends on destination, trip length, season, and activities. Rural travel, rice fields, pig farms, and overnight stays outdoors increase risk. City breaks with short stays carry lower risk. The vaccine is advised for higher risk trips or work.

The vaccine is given as a course before travel. Many adults complete two doses several weeks apart. If time is short, an accelerated plan may be possible. A booster can be recommended for ongoing risk. Side effects are usually mild, like a sore arm or headache.

You still need bite avoidance. Use insect repellent on skin and clothing. Wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk. Sleep in rooms with screens or nets. Seek urgent care if you become unwell during or after travel.

South Ealing Pharmacy

Who should consider vaccination

If your trip includes rural areas or outdoor stays in risk regions, vaccination is sensible. This includes longer visits, backpacking or fieldwork. Children may be at higher risk because they play outside and may not report bites.

  • Rural or farm stays
  • Long visits in season
  • Camping or homestays
  • Work with animals
  • Travel with young children

Bite prevention that really helps

Vaccination is important, but bite prevention lowers risk every day. Pack repellents for skin and clothing. Plan sleeping arrangements carefully and check rooms on arrival. Keep these habits consistent throughout your trip.

  • Use repellent on skin
  • Treat clothing with repellent
  • Wear long sleeves at dusk
  • Sleep under a mosquito net
  • Choose screened or air conditioned rooms

Recommended

Travel Probiotic

We recommend purchasing Optibac Travel before your trip. It helps prevent tummy troubles on holiday by supporting healthy digestion. Pop into our store to buy.

  • Optibac
South Ealing Pharmacy

Plan early for safer travel

Book a tailored vaccination plan and practical bite prevention support with your local team in South Ealing.

Check availability and book now

How it Works

Trusted Healthcare in the Heart of ealing

  • Book your appointment

    Choose the service you need - travel vaccinations, flu jabs, medication reviews or more and book online, by phone or in person in under a minute.

  • Attend your consultation

    Enjoy a one-to-one consultation. Our experienced pharmacists will listen, answer every question and design the right care for you.

  • Receive treatment

    Leave with your prescriptions, vaccines or personalised health advice—all dispensed on the spot. We’ll make sure you have everything you need to feel confident and well.

Testimonials

What Our Patients Say

Professional and kind. They checked my itinerary and sorted paperwork for my visa medical. I left with confidence and clear instructions.

Great with my child. The vaccinator was patient and explained everything in simple terms. No fuss and a smooth visit.

Excellent travel clinic. Honest guidance on whether I actually needed the vaccine. I appreciated the focus on bite prevention too.

They helped me plan at short notice. Straight answers, careful screening, and follow up reminders for a booster. Recommended.

Testimonials

What Our Patients Say

Frequently Asked Questions

South Ealing Pharmacy
  • Do I need the Japanese encephalitis vaccine?

    You may if travelling to parts of Asia or the Western Pacific and spending time in rural areas or outdoors at night. We assess your route, length of stay, and activities to decide.

  • How many doses will I need?

    Most adults need a two dose course before travel. A booster can be advised later if your risk continues.

  • When should I book my appointment?

    Try to start several weeks before departure to finish the course. If you are short on time, we will still plan the safest option.

  • What are common side effects?

    A sore arm, redness, headache, muscle aches or mild fever can occur. These effects are usually short lived.

  • If I am vaccinated, do I still need to avoid bites?

    Yes, bite prevention remains essential. Repellents, clothing, nets and screened rooms all reduce daily risk.

  • Is the vaccine suitable for children and during pregnancy?

    It can be used when the benefits outweigh any risks. We will discuss your situation and advise the safest plan.

  • What symptoms need urgent medical help?

    Seek care if you develop fever, severe headache, confusion, or neck stiffness during or after travel. Tell the clinician where you have been.

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