Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination (JEV)
Japanese encephalitis is a rare yet potentially severe viral infection caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is typically characterised by a painful, itchy rash.
A vaccination can help reduce your risk of developing the disease and is generally recommended for those most vulnerable.
The vaccination is available in NSW, QLD, SA, & VIC. Check your eligibility below.
NSW
In NSW, pharmacists can provide vaccination to eligible patients ages 5+.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
A free JEV vaccination is also recommended for people who live in any part of NSW and:
Work, live, or are visiting a:
Work directly with mosquitoes through their surveillance (field or laboratory based) or control and management, and indirectly through management of vertebrate mosquito-borne disease surveillance systems (e.g., sentinel animals) such as:
Imojev vaccination
This vaccination CAN NOT be administered if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised)
Have had a recent receipt of immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin containing blood products (within the last 6-weeks)
Had an anaphylactic reaction to a vaccine or component
Are planning on becoming pregnant in the 28 days following this vaccination
Have had another vaccine within the last four weeks
For more information, please refer to the Department of Health website
If you do not fall into any of the above categories,
Book now
JEspect vaccination (2 dose schedule)
This vaccination is for patients that:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised)
Have had a recent receipt of immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin containing blood products (within the last 6-weeks)
Are planning on becoming pregnant in the 28 days following this vaccination
Have had another vaccine within the last four weeks
This JEV vaccine is a TWO dose schedule which are normally given 28 days apart, but for adults 18years and older in imminent risk of exposure, the second vaccine dose can be administered 7 days apart.
This JEV Vaccine CAN NOT be given to those at risk of anaphylaxis to vaccine or component, including a serious hypersensitivity reaction to protamine sulphate.
For more information, please refer to the Department of Health website
Book now
VIC
In VIC, pharmacists can provide vaccination to eligible patients ages 5+.There is significant global demand for the JE vaccine. Victoria has a limited supply and therefore access is restricted to specific priority Groups.
Please be aware that not everyone who is living or working in flood-affected areas is eligible for the JE vaccine.
In Victoria, JE vaccine is available free-of-charge for specific priority groups:
People who are over 50, spend a significant amount of time outdoors (more than four hours a day) and live or work in one of the local government areas of Campaspe, Gannawarra, Greater Shepparton, Indigo, Loddon, Mildura, Moira, Swan Hill, Wodonga and Towong.
People who work at, reside at, or have a planned non-deferable visit to a:
Personnel who work directly with mosquitoes through their surveillance (field or laboratory based) or control and management, and indirectly through management of vertebrate mosquito-borne disease surveillance systems (e.g. sentinel animals) such as:
Imojev vaccination
This vaccination CAN NOT be administered if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised)
Have had a recent receipt of immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin containing blood products (within the last 6-weeks)
Had an anaphylactic reaction to a vaccine or component
Are planning on becoming pregnant in the 28 days following this vaccination
Have had another vaccine within the last four weeks
For more information, please refer to the Department of Health website
If you do not fall into any of the above categories,
Book now
JEspect vaccination (2 dose schedule)
This vaccination is for patients that:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised)
Have had a recent receipt of immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin containing blood products (within the last 6-weeks)
Are planning on becoming pregnant in the 28 days following this vaccination
Have had another vaccine within the last four weeks
This JEV vaccine is a TWO dose schedule which are normally given 28 days apart, but for adults 18years and older in imminent risk of exposure, the second vaccine dose can be administered 7 days apart.
This JEV Vaccine CAN NOT be given to those at risk of anaphylaxis to vaccine or component, including a serious hypersensitivity reaction to protamine sulphate.
For more information, please refer to the Department of Health website
Book now
Disclaimer:
This vaccine can not be administered under the Victorian pilot program for the purpose of overseas travel
This information is subject to change & will likely do so in the coming days/weeks with current emergency flooding situation throughout these same areas.
Reference:
Victoria Department of Health - Japanese Encephalitis information for the public
Better Health Channel - Protect yourself
JEV vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding1
Pregnancy– Japanese Encephalitis vaccination is not routine during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, infection with JEV during the 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy has been linked to miscarriage.
Pregnant women at risk of infection are recommended JEspect. There are no adverse pregnancy outcomes reported with this vaccination.
Breastfeeding– JEspect is also the vaccination recommended during the breastfeeding period, for people at greater risk of infection. However, there are no reports available about using this vaccination while breastfeeding.
Imojev is a live attenuated viral vaccine and as such is contraindicated during pregnancy and not recommended while breastfeeding.
Learn more about Japanese encephalitis
Japanese Encephalitis virus is a disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It cannot be transmitted from person to person.2
While it is usually asymptomatic, on rare occasions Japanese Encephalitis can be very serious.
Some people experience:
Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Find out more about symptoms, protection advise, treatment and more
Find out more about Japanese encephalitis