JE [ Japanese Encephalitis] vaccine

JE is a viral infection. Encephalitis means "inflammation of the brain".

It is transmitted by mosquito bite.

In India JE infection is endemic in 355 districts [Total number of districts in India are 787] and in 24 out of 28 states.

There is no specific medication available to treat the infection.

A very small number of children [ less than 1 percent] , infected with the virus, could have infection and inflammation of the brain with severe Brain damage. Its not easy to predict who might end up with this complication.

The Govt of Karnataka has included it in the vaccination schedule in 4 North Karnataka districts.

My take on this vaccine is that - Most of us travel with family to various destinations in India. It is possible for our children to be infected with this virus.

I recommend it in my practice to all eligible children

Eligibility for the vaccine - Age more than 1 year, till 15 years

Doses = 2 doses given one month apart. It is administered by an injection.