Guidelines for Delayed Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination in Children

Inquiring about the situation of overdue vaccinations for Japanese encephalitis in children?

Hello! My child was born on July 8, 1999, and is currently three years and eight months old.
The first two doses of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine were administered on March 8 and March 22, 2001, respectively, but the third dose was delayed last year due to a cold.
I would like to know if the second dose should be administered this year, and what the interval should be between doses.
Thank you for your guidance.
Sincerely, Liu Huiwen, Miaoli, March 27.

Liu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/03/27

Dr. Lin Guoyin reply Pediatrics

If the first and second doses were administered two years ago, this year only one dose of the third booster shot is required, not two doses.

Reply Date: 2003/03/27

More Info

When it comes to the vaccination schedule for Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in children, it is essential to adhere to the recommended guidelines to ensure optimal protection against this viral infection. Japanese Encephalitis is a serious disease caused by the JE virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the disease, particularly in areas where the virus is endemic.

Based on the information provided, your child was born on July 8, 1999, and has already received the first two doses of the JE vaccine on March 8 and March 22, 2001. The standard vaccination schedule for JE typically includes the following:
1. First Dose: Administered at 12-15 months of age.

2. Second Dose: Given 2 weeks after the first dose.

3. Third Dose: Administered 12-24 months after the second dose.

4. Booster Dose: Recommended before entering elementary school (around 6 years of age).

In your case, since the third dose was delayed due to illness, it is crucial to catch up on the vaccination as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities recommend that if a child misses a dose, they should receive it as soon as they are able, without needing to restart the entire series.
Given that your child is currently 3 years and 8 months old and has missed the third dose, it is advisable to administer the third dose this year. The interval between the second and third doses should ideally be at least one year, but since your child is already past the recommended time frame, it is safe to proceed with the vaccination.
After receiving the third dose, the next step would be to schedule the booster dose, which is typically given before the child enters elementary school. This means that if your child receives the third dose this year, the booster can be administered when they are around 6 years old.

It's also important to consider any health conditions that may affect vaccination. If your child has had any recent illnesses or allergies, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider before proceeding with the vaccination. They can provide personalized advice based on your child's health history.

In summary, your child should receive the third dose of the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine this year, and the booster dose should be scheduled before entering elementary school. Keeping up with vaccinations is crucial for preventing serious diseases, and timely administration of vaccines is key to maintaining immunity. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

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