PEOPLE eligible for the Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine are being urged to come forward, with access to the vaccine now expanded to include priority groups in high risk local government areas (LGA) such as Balranald.
Along with the current Communicable Disease Network Australia’s national priority groups, which includes people who work with pigs or mosquitoes, the JE vaccine is now recommended for people who live nominated LGAs in southern NSW, including Balranald, are aged between 50 and 65, and are employed in an occupation that is largely or totally outdoors.
Far West Local Health District public health director Priscilla Stanley welcomed the expansion of the JE vaccine, and urged those who are eligible to take advantage and protect themselves.
“JE is potentially deadly and all measures should be taken to protect yourself and minimise the risk of acquiring the virus,” Ms Stanley said.
Ms Stanley said the expansion to these priority groups ensures consistency of approach for NSW residents along the Victorian border, aligning with the approach in Victoria.
Thirteen people were diagnosed with JEV in NSW earlier this year, and of those there were two deaths. All were estimated to have acquired the virus between mid-January and the end of February.
The JE vaccine is available through local GPs. You may need to give your GP a few days’ notice so they can order the vaccine.
For the latest information on confirmed cases of JEV and advice on how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases, visit the NSW Health website at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/jevirus
