Written by

Kristen Cramer

April 14, 2025

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Jennifer Carlson

Japanese Encephalitis vaccine cost

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine costs $300 to $420 per dose or $600 to $840 total for the full two-dose series. Prices depend on your location and where you get the vaccine. Many health insurance plans don't cover the cost because they consider the vaccine a travel medicine service rather than preventative care.

• The Japanese Encephalitis consists of two doses administered 28 days apart. For optimal protection, you must receive the second dose at least 10 days before potential exposure to the virus.

• IXIARO is the only Japanese Encephalitis vaccine currently authorized for use in the United States.

What is Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese Encephalitis is a viral infection that affects the brain and is transmitted by mosquitoes. It belongs to the same family of viruses as dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile virus. While most infections cause mild or no symptoms, approximately 1 in 250 infections can lead to severe disease characterized by rapid onset of high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, seizures, and coma.

Among patients who develop severe symptoms, the mortality rate is approximately 20% to 30%. Of those who survive, 30% to 50% may suffer permanent neurological or psychiatric conditions, including paralysis, recurrent seizures, and inability to speak.

Where is Japanese Encephalitis found?

Japanese Encephalitis is endemic throughout much of Asia and parts of the western Pacific. The virus is found in rural and agricultural areas of:

• East Asia: China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia

• Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam

• South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka

• Western Pacific: Papua New Guinea and parts of Australia

How does Japanese Encephalitis spread?

Japanese Encephalitis spreads primarily through mosquito bites, specifically from infected Culex mosquitoes. These mosquitoes breed in water-rich environments such as rice paddies and become infected by feeding on pigs and wild birds that carry the virus. The disease is not transmitted directly from person to person.

The mosquitoes that spread Japanese Encephalitis typically bite during dusk and dawn, though they can feed at any time during the night. Transmission increases during and just after rainy seasons when mosquito populations are at their peak. In temperate regions, transmission is generally limited to the warm months, while in tropical and subtropical regions, transmission can occur year-round.

Japanese Encephalitis vaccine FAQs

How long does the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine last?

Protection from the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine lasts 1 to 2 years after the primary two-dose series. For individuals who remain at risk, a booster dose may be administered 12 to 24 months after the primary immunization series and extends protection to up to 6 years.

Is the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine a live vaccine?

No, the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine (IXIARO) available in the U.S. is not a live vaccine. It is an inactivated (killed) virus vaccine. This means it contains virus particles that have been grown in laboratory conditions and then killed so they cannot cause disease.

Because it's an inactivated vaccine, it cannot cause the disease it's designed to prevent. This also makes it safer for people with weakened immune systems, although you should always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific medical situation.

What are the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine side effects?

Like all vaccines, the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine can cause side effects, though serious reactions are rare. Common side effects include:

• Pain, tenderness, or redness at the injection site

• Headache

• Muscle pain

• Fatigue

• Low-grade fever

These side effects typically resolve within a few days. More serious allergic reactions are extremely rare but can include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience these symptoms after vaccination, seek immediate medical attention.

Do I need the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine?

The CDC recommends the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine for:

• Travelers who plan to spend a month or more in endemic areas, such as countries in Asia or the western Pacific

• Travelers spending time in rural farming areas

• Anyone going to areas experiencing an outbreak

• Travelers engaging in extensive outdoor activities, regardless of duration

• Laboratory workers who might be exposed to the virus

Consult with a travel medicine specialist at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trip to determine if the vaccine is recommended for your specific travel plans.

How effective is one dose of Japanese Encephalitis vaccine?

While the complete Japanese Encephalitis vaccine series consists of two doses, studies have shown that a single dose of the vaccine does provide some protection. However, the level of protection is much lower and shorter-lasting compared to the full two-dose series.

Research indicates that one dose can induce protective antibody levels in approximately 70% to 80% of recipients, compared to 95% to 99% after two doses. For optimal protection, the full two-dose series is strongly recommended, especially for those at higher risk of exposure.

Is the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine covered by insurance?

Many private or commercial health insurance plans do not cover the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine because they consider it a travel medicine service instead of preventive care. However, some insurance plans do cover the cost, especially if there's a medical necessity. Check with your insurance provider to confirm their coverage.

Medicare drug coverage (Part D) typically covers the cost of the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine and other vaccinations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Where to get the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine

Various healthcare providers offer the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine:

• Some pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid)

• Travel immunization companies

• Public health departments

When to get the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine before traveling

For optimal protection, get the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine at least 10 days before potential exposure to the virus. The standard vaccination schedule consists of two doses administered 28 days apart, meaning you should begin the vaccination process at least 5 to 6 weeks before your trip.

If your departure is imminent and you have less than 4 weeks before travel, adults 18 to 65 years old may use an accelerated schedule with the two doses given 7 days apart. However, you should still allow 10 days after the final dose before potential exposure.

Remember, immunity isn't immediate after vaccination, so planning ahead is essential for maximum protection during your travels.

Japanese Encephalitis prevention beyond vaccination

While vaccination is the most effective way to protect against Japanese Encephalitis, additional precautions can further reduce your risk:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or 2-undecanone.

• Wear protective clothing including long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

• Stay in accommodations with air conditioning or window screens when possible.

• Use bed nets when sleeping in areas without window and door screens or air conditioning.

• Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours of dusk and dawn.

These measures are important not only for preventing Japanese Encephalitis but also for protection against other mosquito-borne diseases that may be present in the same regions.