MORE Victorians will soon be able to receive Japanese encephalitis vaccine to protect themselves against the infection spread by mosquitos in the warmer months.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas recently announced the free eligibility criteria for vaccine roll-out has been expanded to include anyone who lives or works in Greater Shepparton, Campaspe and Moira.
People aged between 50 and 65 and who work in a role that is largely outdoors are also included in expanded eligibility group.
The vaccine will be available from select GPs, local public health units (including some COVID-19 vaccination hubs), community pharmacies and local councils.
Japanese encephalitis can cause rare, potentially serious infection of the brain and is spread to humans by mosquito bites.
Most people will have no symptoms, with only one percent developing a fever and headache, which could develop further into serious disease. The first-ever case of Japanese encephalitis was recorded in Victoria, last year.
In addition to vaccine, wearing long sleeve, loose-fitting clothing outdoors and applying repellents with ingredients such as picaridin or DEET on exposed skin are practical preventatives.
The virus typically occurs in many parts of southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea and Torres Strait – and occasionally Queensland.
