Access To Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Expanded

Eligible residents in Hay and Murrumbidgee Shire may now access a free Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine following NSW Health’s announcement of a further expansion of the vaccination program.

Anyone in all eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) involved in the clean-up of stagnant waters after recent floods or where living conditions place them at increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes will be able to access a free vaccination.

You can protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by:

• Covering windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps in them;
• Removing items that may collect water outside your house where mosquitoes can breed;
• Improving drainage on your property so water doesn’t become stagnant;
• Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks, especially around dusk and dawn;
• Applying repellent to all exposed skin, using repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus;
• Reapplying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming, being sure to always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent; and
• Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes. (Mosquito coils should only be used outdoors.)

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• Health & Wellbeing