Should I get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine if I go to Thailand and have a history of strong reactions to mosquito bites?

Question

I am immune to hepatitis A&B, I will take the Thyphoid vaccine. I am only going there for 3 weeks and we will go to chiang Mai and chiang rai. We will stay in the cities. in 2012, I had a strong reaction due to numerous mosquito bites all over my body: the bites swelled up and then my tongue swelled up and I felt like I had trouble breathing. I was not found to have a mosquito allergy, but I always carry an epipen as a precaution (I suspect it was the amount of bites that caused this reaction). Otherwise, it stresses me out since mosquitoes like my blood, so I'm hesitant to take the vaccine for Japanese encephalitis (very expensive$$), although I think the risk remains low for this trip: what do you think?

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello. The CDC, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the National Institute of Public Health indicate that this vaccine is recommended, especially if you are leaving during the warm seasons (spring and summer), if your stay is one month or more, if you are going to visit rural areas, if you are going to spend a lot of time outdoors, as well as other conditions Since I prefer zero risk, I would advise you to get the vaccine, if you have no contraindication to receive it (your doctor, nurse and/or pharmacist will be able to tell you for sure). On the other hand, I strongly suggest that you seek the advice of a nurse or doctor working or specializing in travel health, as their clinical experience will probably surpass mine You did not mention malaria prophylaxis, so I suggest that you consult one of the above-mentioned professionals in order to evaluate the possibility of obtaining it, given your proximity to Myanmar and Laos, regions at risk. Finally, don't skimp on non-pharmacological measures: a good mosquito repellent, don't wear perfume or bright colors, wear long sleeves if possible and make sure that your place of residence has mosquito nets. Enjoy your trip!