3月1日起，四地适龄儿童免费接种乙脑疫苗

Core Viewpoint - The National Health Commission and the National Disease Control Bureau of China have announced an adjustment to the vaccination coverage for the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine under the national immunization program, effective March 1, 2026, for children born after June 1, 2025, in Tibet and three other regions [1]. Group 1: Vaccination Program Details - Starting March 1, 2026, children aged 8 months and older in Tibet, Qinghai, Xinjiang, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps will receive free JE vaccinations [1]. - The immunization schedule for the live attenuated JE vaccine includes one dose at 8 months and another at 2 years, totaling two doses [1]. - The inactivated JE vaccine requires two doses for 8-month-old children, spaced 7 to 10 days apart, followed by one dose each at 2 years and 6 years, totaling four doses [1]. Group 2: Disease Background and Current Situation - Japanese Encephalitis is an acute infectious disease of the central nervous system transmitted by mosquitoes, with high mortality and sequelae rates [1]. - The incidence of JE in China has been low in recent years, with annual reported cases ranging from 100 to 200, indicating a general susceptibility of the population to the JE virus [1]. - The changing patterns of JE transmission are attributed to increased population mobility and changes in climate and mosquito distribution [1].