SWAN Hill residents will have access to a Japanese encephalitis vaccine after the Victorian Government announced an expansion of the eligibility criteria to include the municipality.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the priority groups include anyone who lives or usually works in the local government areas of Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Campaspe, Moira, Greater Shepparton, Indigo and Wodonga.
Those eligible include people aged between 50 and 65 who work in a role that is largely outdoors, specifically those who spend more than four hours outdoors each day.
The vaccine will be available from selected GPs, local public health units (including some COVID-19 vaccination hubs), community pharmacies and local councils.
Japanese encephalitis virus can cause a rare, potentially serious infection of the brain and is spread to humans by mosquito bites.
Most people will have no symptoms, but one per cent of people may experience a fever and headache, which can develop into a serious disease. Victoria recorded its first-ever case of Japanese encephalitis virus earlier this year.
The virus typically occurs in many parts of southeast Asia, China, Papua New Guinea and the Torres Strait – and occasionally in northern Queensland.
In addition to the vaccine, there are simple steps those at risk can take to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including wearing long, loose-fitting clothing outdoors, using mosquito repellents with active ingredients such as picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin and limiting outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are present.
“We’re making sure more people can access the Japanese encephalitis vaccine before the warmer months to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Ms Thomas said.
“Getting vaccinated is one important step people at risk can take, along with simple actions like wearing loose-fitting clothes and using the right mosquito repellant.”
