Perceptions among the U.S. population of value of Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccination for travel to JE-endemic countries.

INTRODUCTION

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a rare but potentially severe disease among travelers. JE vaccine in the United States costs $500-$600 for a 2-dose series and is safe and effective but rare serious adverse events can occur. Our survey investigated likelihood of vaccine receipt for travel.

METHODS

An electronically-administered survey was conducted among U.S. adults. Participants were presented a hypothetical scenario on travel to a JE-endemic country and JE vaccine characteristics and responded on likelihood of vaccination.

RESULTS

Overall, 6384 (59%) of 10,904 persons completed the questions. Population estimates indicated 32% would be likely and 42% were unlikely to be vaccinated, and 26% were unsure. Among those likely to get vaccinated, important factors were disease risk and severity, and vaccine safety. Among those unlikely, cost, disease risk, and possibility of serious side effects ranked highest.

CONCLUSIONS

There is population heterogeneity in perception of JE disease risk and value of vaccination.