New Decision-Making Tool Helps Travellers Make Informed Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination Choices

A new Australian study has found that a purpose-built decision-making tool may help travellers make more informed choices about Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccination and increase vaccine uptake among those at risk.

Researchers from the Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Unit at Monash University developed a Japanese encephalitis vaccine decision aid to support Australians planning travel to Asia. The tool was designed to help travellers understand their individual risk and weigh the potential benefits, risks and costs of vaccination based on their personal circumstances.

Japanese encephalitis is a rare but potentially devastating mosquito-borne disease that can cause severe neurological complications or death. While vaccination is recommended for some travellers, the level of risk varies depending on factors such as destination, season, activities and length of stay, making vaccination decisions more complex.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, involved more than 800 Australians planning travel to Asia within six months. Participants were randomly assigned to review either the new decision aid or an existing government information page.

While both resources helped reduce uncertainty around vaccination decisions, travellers who used the decision aid were more likely to report receiving a JE vaccine before travelling to risk areas.

Researchers say the findings highlight the value of decision-support tools in helping people navigate increasingly complex vaccination choices. Rather than simply providing more information, decision aids can help individuals interpret recommendations in the context of their own circumstances and values.

The implications extend beyond travel medicine. As vaccine recommendations become more personalised and shared decision-making becomes increasingly common, similar tools could help support informed decisions for vaccines such as RSV, shingles, rabies and yellow fever.

The study demonstrates how decision aids can complement healthcare advice, improve confidence in vaccination decisions and help individuals translate information into action.

Read the original article and access the Japanese encephalitis vaccine decision aid through Monash University.