As healthcare professionals, it’s crucial to stay up to date with the latest developments in vaccination schedules, especially those less frequently encountered in general practice. Recent changes have been made to the rabies and Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccination schedules, here is everything you need to know.

Rabies Vaccination Schedule Changes

The rabies vaccination schedule has been updated to include an accelerated option, which is particularly beneficial for travellers with time constraints before departure:

  • Accelerated Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Three doses administered on Day 0, Day 3 and Day 7.
  • Protection Duration: This schedule has been shown to provide adequate protection for up to one year.
  • Continued Travel: 1 dose at 1 year if continued travel to high-risk areas
  • Importance of Starting Before Travel: Initiating the rabies vaccine course before departure is essential to ensure the traveler has some level of protection upon arrival in an endemic area.

Key Takeaway: Rabies remains a significant risk in many parts of the world. All travellers to endemic regions should be considered for rabies vaccination, and the accelerated schedule provides flexibility without compromising safety.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination Schedule Changes

Similarly, updates have been made to the JE vaccination schedule:

  • Accelerated Schedule: Two doses given on Day 0 and Day 7.
  • Post-Travel Booster: A third dose is recommended upon the traveler’s return to ensure long-term immunity.
  • Applicability: This schedule is particularly useful for last-minute travellers or those with limited time before departure.

Key Takeaway: JE is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition prevalent in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific. The accelerated schedule allows for timely immunisation of travellers who might otherwise remain unprotected.

Utilise Jane Chiodini’s Vaccination Scheduling Tool

To assist you in navigating these changes, Jane Chiodini has developed an excellent Vaccination Scheduling Tool. This resource provides detailed information on vaccine schedules, dosing intervals, and best practices for travel health vaccinations.

Stay Informed and Competent

Keeping up with these changes is not just about compliance; it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of the travellers we advise. If you don’t frequently deal with these vaccines, now is the time to familiarise yourself with the new schedules. Book your Travel Health training here.