Definition of Disease...
JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS VACCINE
The vaccine for Japanese encephalitis is currently available
in the United States through most traveler's clinics. Travelers
to Asia may receive the vaccine, but CDC recommends the vaccine
only to those who work or have extensive visits during the
transmission season to rural areas of the previously mentioned
countries. The vaccine is recommended only for persons who
will travel in rural areas for four weeks or more, except
under special circumstances such as a known outbreak of Japanese
encephalitis.
Risk of acquiring Japanese encephalitis is proportional to
exposure to the mosquitos that breed chiefly in rural rice-growing
and pig farming regions. Therefore, risk is low among the
vast majority of persons whose itineraries are limited to
cities or who will travel to the countryside only for short
periods. These travelers do not require the vaccine. Older
persons (> 55 years old) may be at higher risk for disease
after infection and should be carefully considered for vaccination
if they travel in areas of risk.
The vaccine is given in 3 doses on days, 0, 7, and 30 and
protection can be expected 10 days following the last dose.
A short course of vaccine can be given on days 0, 7 and 14,
but this vaccination schedule is less effective than the longer
course. Serious allergic side effects from the vaccine have
been reported from up to 0.1% of vaccinees. These side effects
can be delayed for several days after vaccination and consist
of hives and dangerous swelling of the throat and mouth. Persons
who have multiple allergies, especially to bee stings and
various drugs, appear to be at higher risk for side effects
and probably should not be vaccinated except under strict
medical supervision. Close medical supervision should be available
for persons receiving the vaccine for at least 48 hours after
vaccination.
Fever and local reactions such as redness, swelling, and
pain are reported in about 10% of those vaccinated. There
is no information on the usefulness of this vaccine in children
under 1 year old. In children and adults above 1 year old,
the vaccine appears to be over 85% protective against the
illness.
A booster dose may be required two years after the primary
vaccination if the traveler is still at risk for infection.
Office hours are Monday through Thursday:
9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 am until 1:00 pm
We accept cash, check, Visa and Mastercard.
C. Michael Lewis, D.O.
9463 N Holly Road
Suite 104
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Phone: (810) 694-5393
Fax: (810) 694-5394
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