JE vaccine is safe, claims Health department

The Health department in Kozhikode has claimed that the ongoing vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is completely safe.

Addressing the media here on Saturday (January 17), District Medical Officer K.K. Rajaram and Reproductive and Child Health Officer Navya J. Thaikkattil said that the vaccine is being administered at schools, anganwadis, and government health centres from January 15 for children in the 1-15 age group. The infection, with a mortality rate of 30%, mainly affects children aged below 15. Those infected could also face 30% disabilities in the long term.

In Kozhikode district, seven JE cases and three deaths were reported between 2023 and 2025. Health officials said the plan was to vaccinate 6,76,176 children. A total of 3,316 sites and 7,42,344 doses have been arranged. The vaccine had earlier been given only in Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha districts since 2009. Asked about the possible adverse reactions, such as fever, after the vaccination, Dr. Navya and Dr. Rajaram said they were self-limiting and could subside in two-three days.

The virus causing the infection is transmitted to humans through the bite of Culex mosquitoes. There is no human-to-human transmission, and the transmission cycle is between mosquitoes, pigs, and water birds. Headache and fever are the major symptoms. Severe headache, seizures, fatigue, and disorientation are being reported, depending on the intensity of the infection.