Get vaccinated to prevent Japanese encephalitis

The Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) and Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) recommended vaccination as the most effective strategy to prevent and control Japanese encephalitis (JE).

In their position paper, PPS and PIDSP said that “prevention methods such as vector control, personal protective measures, and others may be used but must not deter individuals from seeking JE vaccination, which is the only method proven highly efective for prevention.”

The Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) also gave the same recommendation. These recommendations are aligned with the World Health Organization position paper which states that the most effective way to reduce JE disease burden is through human vaccination.

JE vaccination has been part of PPS and PIDSP Childhood Immunization Calendar since 2016 and continues to be recommended for children nine months of age and up.

In the Philippines, there has been an increase in reports of JE cases recently. Its common symptoms are fever, headache, painful neck stiffness, nausea, and abdominal pain. It is fatal in 20-30 percent of cases and 30-50 percent of survivors suffer from permanent disabilities.

“JE is endemic in the Philippines with a year-round transmission,” said Dr. Mari Reyes Delos Reyes, PSMID president. “It’s important to introduce vaccination because when there is a higher coverage of the population which is vaccinated, eventually, you will see overtime the decrease in the prevalence of the disease.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Sally Gatchalian, vice president of PPS, warned the public against getting the vaccine from unauthorized sellers, specifically those selling it online.

“A mishandled vaccine or an improperly stored vaccine is not an effective vaccine. It is best to consult doctors on how to get vaccinated against JE,” she advised.