Eligibility For Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine In NSW Expanded

Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) has urged people who are eligible for a Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine to come forward, now that access to the vaccine has been expanded to include priority groups in high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs).

In addition to the current Communicable Diseases Network Australia’s national priority groups, the JE Vaccine is now recommended for people who:

• Live or work in Griffith, Albury, Greater Hume, Federation, Berrigan, Edward River, Murray River, Balranald and Wentworth;
• Are aged between 50 and 65; and
• Are employed in an occupation that is largely or totally outdoors (defined as spending at least four hours per day outdoors).

MLHD Director of Public Health, Tracey Oakman said the JE vaccine was available through local General Practitioners for those who are eligible.

“If you meet the criteria, we encourage you to make an appointment with your GP and advise them it is for the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine,” Ms Oakman said.

“However, you may need to give your GP a few days’ notice so the GP can order the vaccine.”

The expansion to those priority groups ensures consistency of approach for NSW residents along the Victorian border, aligning with the approach in Victoria.

“Further expansion of the JE vaccine program will depend on vaccine supply and findings from the community seroprevalence survey taking place in regional NSW,” Ms Oakman said.

Thirteen people were diagnosed with Japanese Encephalitis Virus in NSW earlier this year, and two of those people died.

All were estimated to have acquired the virus between mid-January and the end of February.

JEV is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.

It is a common infection in the tropical regions of Asia and was detected for the first time in NSW in late February 2022.

The virus can infect other animals, such as birds and pigs.

Environmental control measures you can take to reduce your risk of exposure include:

• Cover openings such as windows and doors with insect screens;
• Remove water-holding containers outside your house where mosquitoes can breed; and
• Improve drainage on your property so that water does not become stagnant.

Mosquitoes generally appear around late spring and hang around until winter - below are some personal measures you can take to protect yourself.

• Wear light, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and covered shoes;
• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk;
• Apply repellent, especially those that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, which are most effective against mosquitoes, to all areas of exposed skin;
• Reapply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Always apply sunscreen before applying repellent.
• Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes. Mosquito coils should only be used outside.

The latest information on confirmed cases of Japanese Encephalitis Virus, and advice on how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases, visit the NSW Health website.

• Topics:

• Health & Wellbeing
• Vaccination