Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination (Ixiaro)

Japanese encephalitis vaccination with Ixiaro is a private pharmacist service at Ways Pharmacy in Holborn, London. Ixiaro is an inactivated vaccine that helps protect against Japanese encephalitis, a viral brain infection spread by mosquitoes in parts of Asia and the western Pacific. It is usually recommended for longer stays, rural trips or activities with more mosquito exposure. It is given only after a pharmacist has assessed your itinerary and health and confirmed it is suitable for you.

How to get this vaccine

1. Start your free online assessment. Answer the health and travel questions online and confirm your identity by uploading photo ID or showing it on a video call.
2. Pharmacist reviews and speaks with you. A GPhC-registered pharmacist reviews your itinerary, health, medicines and previous vaccines and checks that the vaccine is suitable for you.
3. If suitable, pay and book. Choose the number of doses and check out on this page, or call 020 8106 7084 to book. Please call before you visit so we can confirm the vaccine is in stock and agree a time. If the vaccine is not suitable, you pay nothing and the pharmacist explains your other options.
4. Vaccinated at our Holborn pharmacy. The pharmacist confirms the vaccine is still suitable on the day. The injection is given in the pharmacy, followed by a short observation period. Children attend with a parent or guardian. If you are having the full course, your second dose is booked at the same visit.
5. Refunds. If you have already paid and the pharmacist decides the vaccine is not suitable for you, you receive a full refund. If you paid for a multi-dose course and do not receive every dose, each dose you did not receive is refunded at the single-dose price.

There is no separate consultation fee. This vaccine is given only in our Holborn pharmacy and cannot be posted.

About this vaccine

Vaccination schedule

• Standard schedule: dose 1 on day 0 and dose 2 on day 28
• Adults aged 18–65 who are short of time can have the rapid schedule: dose 1 on day 0 and dose 2 on day 7
• The course should be finished at least 7 days before you could be exposed. If there is not enough time to complete it, the pharmacist will discuss your options
• Children aged 2 months to under 3 years have a smaller dose (0.25ml); from age 3 the dose is 0.5ml
• A booster may be recommended for people at ongoing risk, such as long-term or repeat travellers, in line with national guidance

The single-dose option is for a second dose or a booster when the pharmacist confirms it is needed.

Warnings and who should not have this vaccine

• Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to Japanese encephalitis vaccine or any of its ingredients, or a severe reaction to a previous dose
• Anyone with a high temperature or acute illness on the day — vaccination is postponed until you recover
• Anyone who has already completed a course and does not currently need another dose
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding, a weakened immune system or immunosuppressive treatment, a bleeding disorder or anticoagulant treatment, or a previous reaction to a vaccine need individual assessment — tell the pharmacist

The vaccine does not give complete protection. Avoid mosquito bites with repellent, covering clothing and a net where advised. Many destinations that need this vaccine also carry a malaria risk: see our malaria tablets page.

Possible side effects

Common side effects are pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given, headache, tiredness and aching muscles. Mild fever and nausea are less common. Get emergency help straight away if you develop difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat.

See all vaccines and prices on our travel vaccinations in Holborn page.

Regulatory information

• Legal status: Prescription-only medicine (POM), supplied and administered under a Patient Group Direction after pharmacist assessment
• Pharmacy: Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET · GPhC-registered premises 9012227 · Monday to Friday, 9:00am–6:00pm
• Patient information leaflet: electronic Medicines Compendium (emc)
• Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme

This page gives factual information about a prescription-only vaccine and is not an advertisement to the public. It is given only after a pharmacist has assessed that it is suitable for you.