Japanese Encephalitis Vaccinations for Kokoda and Papua New Guinea

1. Japanese Encephalitis Vaccinations for Kokoda and Papua New Guinea Dr Deborah Mills MBBS ASM Should I have Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination for a Kokoda trip? You need to discuss this with your travel medicine provider, but here is some information for you to consider. Japanese Encephalitis is caused by type of virus called a flavivirus. (Other viruses in this family include Dengue, Kunjin, West Nile, Murray Valley Encephalitis.) It is believed that the first flavivirus evolved only about 10,000 years ago and its decendants rapidly colonized the planet. In March 2009, a new Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine will be released in Australia. This vaccine (JESPECT) is superior to the old (JE-VAX) vaccine. The new vaccine uses more modern vaccine technology. Made in Scotland and packed in Germany by Austrian company ‘Dead’ vaccine given intramuscularly to the arm Must be given in separate arm to other vaccines 2 doses; given on day 0, and then 28 days later It takes time for immunity to develop so vaccines need to be started at least 5 weeks before travel. Protection is for 2 years on current data – may be longer but research is ongoing Side effects are equivalent to placebo Adults only vaccine – it is not licensed under 18 years of age Those who have had JE-Vax in the past, cannot just have a booster of JESPECT, they must ‘start again’ with the new vaccine Costs $185 per dose (course $370) Once again it is important to discuss this and other health precautions with your specially trained travel medicine provider. For more information please visit at Thetraveldoctor.com.au Dr Deb The Travel Doctor | 5th Floor, 247 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000 Travel Clinic | Phone: (07) 3221 9066 | Fax: (07) 3221 7076