Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Shortage: What Travellers Need to Know

Updated: August 2026

If you are planning a trip to parts of Asia or the Western Pacific, you may have heard about the current shortage of Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine in the UK.

At ABC Health Clinic, we understand that this can be concerning, particularly if you are travelling soon. The good news is that the risk of Japanese encephalitis is very low for most travellers, and there are practical steps you can take to reduce your risk while vaccine supplies are limited.

What is Japanese encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection spread by infected mosquitoes. The mosquitoes that transmit the virus are particularly active from dusk to dawn and are commonly found in rural areas, especially around rice fields and areas where pigs or water birds are present.

For most travellers, particularly those taking short trips to urban areas, the risk is very low. However, the risk can be higher for people spending longer periods in affected areas, travelling during transmission seasons, visiting rural locations, or taking part in outdoor or night-time activities such as camping, cycling or fieldwork.

Most people infected with Japanese encephalitis have no symptoms or only mild, non-specific illness. In a small proportion of infections, however, serious inflammation of the brain can develop, potentially causing seizures, confusion, paralysis and other neurological complications.

Why is there a vaccine shortage?

The Japanese encephalitis vaccine IXIARO® is currently out of stock in the UK. The latest UK travel-health guidance, updated on 29 July 2026, gives an estimated recovery date of September 2026, although availability may vary between providers and the date should be regarded as an estimate rather than a guarantee.

NaTHNaC, the UK's National Travel Health Network and Centre, confirmed on 31 July that supplies are currently out of stock, although some clinics may still have vaccine available.

This means travellers should not assume that a vaccine appointment will automatically result in vaccination. Contact ABC Health Clinic as early as possible to check availability.

What should travellers do if the vaccine isn't available?

First, don't panic. Vaccination is recommended for travellers whose itinerary puts them at increased risk; it is not routinely required for every traveller visiting Asia.

Your healthcare professional can assess your individual risk based on factors including:

• Your destination and specific locations within the country

• How long you will be travelling

• The time of year

• Whether you will be visiting rural areas

• Your planned activities, particularly outdoor and night-time activities

• Whether you will be staying in or near areas where Japanese encephalitis transmission is occurring.

  
  

If vaccination is recommended but unavailable, ask your travel-health provider whether vaccine may be available elsewhere. NaTHNaC also advises that, in some circumstances, travellers may be able to start or complete vaccination overseas. However, this needs careful planning, as vaccine products and schedules can differ between countries.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites

Whether or not you receive the vaccine, avoiding mosquito bites is an important part of protecting yourself.

Use insect repellent

Apply an effective insect repellent to exposed skin and reapply it according to the product instructions, particularly after swimming or activities that cause it to wear off.

NaTHNaC identifies DEET-based repellents as among the most effective options and also lists alternatives such as icaridin (picaridin).

Cover up

When mosquitoes are active, wear:

• Long-sleeved tops

• Long trousers

• Socks and covered footwear

Loose-fitting clothing can make covering up more comfortable in hot climates.

Take extra care after dark

The mosquitoes that transmit Japanese encephalitis are most active between dusk and dawn. Take particular care with bite prevention during the evening, overnight and around sunrise.

Consider your accommodation

Where possible, stay somewhere with effective mosquito protection, such as screened windows and doors or air conditioning. Use mosquito nets where appropriate, particularly if sleeping in accommodation that is not adequately screened.

Should you change your travel plans?

For most travellers, a Japanese encephalitis vaccine shortage does not automatically mean that a trip should be cancelled.

The risk to short-term travellers visiting urban areas is generally very low. However, someone spending several weeks or months in rural areas, travelling during an outbreak or spending substantial time outdoors at night may have a significantly different risk profile.

If your trip involves higher-risk activities or locations, speak to us at ABC Health Clinic before deciding whether to travel, postpone, modify your itinerary or seek vaccination from another provider.

Plan your travel health appointment early

Ideally, seek travel-health advice four to six weeks before departure, particularly if you are visiting countries where Japanese encephalitis occurs. This gives you time to review your itinerary, arrange recommended vaccinations and discuss mosquito-bite prevention and other travel-health measures.

If you have already started a Japanese encephalitis vaccination course and your next dose is delayed because of the shortage, do not automatically restart the course. NaTHNaC advises that interrupted vaccination schedules can generally be resumed rather than restarted, but your healthcare professional should advise you on the appropriate schedule for your circumstances.

The bottom line

The UK Japanese encephalitis vaccine shortage is expected to improve in September 2026, according to the latest available supply information, but supplies may remain variable while the shortage is resolved.

In the meantime, travellers can substantially reduce their exposure to Japanese encephalitis by taking mosquito-bite precautions—particularly from dusk to dawn—and by getting an individual travel-health assessment before departure.

If you are travelling soon, don't wait for vaccine supplies to return before seeking advice. Contact ABC Health Clinic to discuss your itinerary and find out what protection is appropriate for you.

This article is for general information and does not replace an individual travel-health consultation. Japanese encephalitis vaccination is recommended based on an assessment of the traveller's destination, itinerary, duration and activities. Vaccine availability can change, so travellers should check current supply with their healthcare provider