Ixiaro protects against Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause serious inflammation of the brain. It is recommended for travellers spending time in rural and agricultural areas of Asia and parts of the Pacific.
£95 per dose — 2 dose course
Who it is for
Travellers spending longer periods in rural or agricultural areas of Asia and the western Pacific, particularly during the rainy season, and adults and children aged 2 months and over at risk.
Number of doses
Two doses to complete the primary course.
When to have it
The course should ideally be completed at least one week before travel, so starting in good time is advised.
How long protection lasts
Several years after the full primary course; a booster may be advised for those at continued risk.
How it is given
By injection into the upper arm, with the two doses normally 28 days apart.
Price
£95 per dose
Ixiaro is a two-dose vaccine that protects against Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne brain infection found in rural parts of Asia and the western Pacific. It is recommended for travellers staying in affected rural areas, especially during the rainy season. The Ixiaro Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes that bite mainly during the evening and night, particularly in rural farming areas where rice fields and pig rearing are common. Most infections cause no symptoms, but a small number can lead to severe inflammation of the brain, which may be life-threatening or cause long-term disability.
The virus is found across much of Asia and parts of the western Pacific, with transmission often peaking during the rainy season. There is no specific treatment, so prevention through mosquito-bite avoidance and vaccination is essential for those at risk.
Ixiaro is given as a two-dose course and is suitable for adults and children. Your travel health nurse will assess your destination, length of stay, season of travel and planned activities to advise whether the vaccine is suitable for you.
Course completed at least 1 week before travel
The two doses are given 28 days apart, with the course ideally completed at least one week before travel; an accelerated schedule may be possible for adults.
High level of protection
Completing the full two-dose course produces protective antibodies in the large majority of people who receive it.
Several years
Protection lasts for several years after the primary course, and a booster may be advised for those who remain at ongoing risk.
Vaccination may be advised for travellers spending longer periods in rural or agricultural parts of Asia, especially during the transmission season, or for those making repeated trips to affected areas. It is particularly worth considering for travellers staying near rice paddies, marshland or pig farming. Your travel health nurse will assess your itinerary and risk before recommending it.
Japanese encephalitis vaccination may be advised for travellers whose itinerary places them at higher risk of mosquito bites in affected rural and agricultural regions. Risk is greatest during and shortly after the rainy season and in areas where rice cultivation and pig rearing are common. Your travel health nurse will weigh up your destination, length of stay, season of travel and planned activities before recommending the vaccine.
Ixiaro is given as a two-dose course, with the doses normally separated by 28 days. The course should ideally be finished at least one week before travel so that protection has time to develop. For adults who are short of time, an accelerated schedule with a shorter interval between doses may be possible. Booking early helps ensure the full course can be completed before departure.
Completing the full two-dose course produces protective antibodies in the large majority of people who receive it, giving protection that lasts for several years. A booster dose may be advised for those who continue to travel to or live in affected areas after the primary protection begins to wane. Vaccination should always be combined with careful mosquito-bite avoidance, as no vaccine offers complete protection.
Most side effects from Ixiaro are mild and short-lived, settling within a few days. Serious reactions are uncommon. Your travel health nurse will discuss any individual considerations, such as pregnancy, allergies or a weakened immune system, before the vaccine is given and will advise you on what to expect afterwards.