Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination Eligibility Expanded

Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious illness caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.

Before last year, Japanese encephalitis virus had rarely been found in Australia with previous cases noted only in Northern Australia, Cape York and the Torres Strait.

It is not known how Japanese encephalitis virus came into mainland Australia, but the movement of infected mosquitoes or migratory water birds may have played a part in the virus' spread, combined with significant rain events.

Japanese encephalitis virus has now been detected in pigs and humans in Western and Southern NSW, as well as in Queensland, Victoria, the Northern Territory and South Australia.

Not all mosquitoes in NSW carry the Japanese encephalitis virus, but some do carry JEV as well as other diseases such as Barmah Forest, Ross River and more rarely, the virus that causes Murray Valley encephalitis. The best thing you can do is take steps to prevent being bitten.

The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is safe and effective for people aged 2 months and older. Vaccination is recommended for those at the highest risk of catching Japanese encephalitis.

Once fully vaccinated, it can take between 2 to 4 weeks for your body to develop a protective immune response to the disease, so if you’re eligible, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Who is eligible for a free Japanese encephalitis virus vaccination

In NSW, a free Japanese encephalitis virus vaccination is available for people aged 2 months or older who live or routinely work in any of the below Local Government Areas and:

  • Regularly spend time outdoors placing them at risk of mosquito bites, or

  • Are experiencing homelessness, or

  • Are living in conditions with limited mosquito protection (e.g. tents, caravans, dwellings with no insect screens), or

  • Are engaging in outdoor flood recovery (clean-up) efforts, including repeated professional or volunteer deployments.

LGAs of high JEV concern

  • Albury

  • Balranald

  • Berrigan

  • Bland

  • Bogan

  • Bourke

  • Brewarrina

  • Broken Hill

  • Carrathool

  • Central Darling

  • Cobar

  • Coolamon

  • Coonamble

  • Dubbo Regional

  • Edward River

  • Federation

  • Forbes

  • Gilgandra

  • Goulburn Mulwaree

  • Greater Hume

  • Griffith

  • Hay

  • Junee

  • Lachlan

  • Leeton

  • Lockhart

  • Moree Plains

  • Murray River

  • Murrumbidgee

  • Narrabri

  • Narrandera

  • Narromine

  • Parkes

  • Temora

  • Unincorporated Far West Area

  • Wagga Wagga

  • Walgett

  • Warren

  • Warrumbungle

  • Weddin

  • Wentworth

How to get Japanese encephalitis vaccination

If you are eligible for a free JEV vaccine, speak to your General Practitioner (GP), pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service about getting vaccinated today.

People who meet the above criteria should make an appointment with their GP, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service and let them know it is for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine as they may require a few days' notice to order the vaccine.

Sara Johnston