GREATER Shepparton and Moira Shire local government residents can now receive a vaccine to protect themselves against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).
JEV has recently been detected in humans, pigs, and mosquitoes in Victoria, and in the local communities of Greater Shepparton and Moira Shire.
This is the first time JEV has been detected in Victoria and other parts of South-eastern Australia. Japanese encephalitis virus can cause a rare, potentially serious infection of the brain and is spread to humans by mosquito bites.
The vaccine is free and is available for people who live or usually work in the local government areas of Greater Shepparton and Moira, are aged between 50 and 65 and who work in a role that is largely outdoors, or who spend more than four hours outdoors each day.
The vaccine will be available from the GV Health Vaccination Hub in Shepparton and via outreach clinics delivered by Jabba the Bus in the Moira Shire over the coming weeks.
Bookings are not required.
The GV Health Vaccination Hub at Tirana City Walk in Shepparton is open:
• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 9:00am to 4:45pm
• Tuesday – 11:00am to 6:45pm
• Not open on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays.
For more information on Japanese encephalitis virus, visit: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/information-for-the-public-japaneseencephalitis-in-victoria.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit, E: PHU@gvhealth.org.au, Ph: 1800 313 070.
