Free Japanese encephalitis vaccine for Lismore

AS the mosquito season continues, the NSW Government is expanding and simplifying free access to the Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine for residents in high-risk areas.

Extra Local Government Areas (LGAs), including Kyogle, Lismore, and Richmond Valley, are now eligible for the free JE vaccine.

Five people have acquired JE in the state, and two have died. Mosquitoes spread the virus and can infect animals and humans.

NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said it was an important health warming.

“People need to take mosquito-borne infections seriously, especially as Japanese encephalitis is expected to continue circulating across the state,” Park said.

“Now is a great time to vaccinate, not just because the mosquito season continues in warmer areas of NSW, but because the eligibility criteria are now expanded to include more affected regional areas.”

The JE virus vaccine is available for people aged two months or older who live or work in any defined high-risk LGAs and are at risk of mosquito bites.

There is no treatment for JE, and in some cases, it can cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions, reduced consciousness and death.

Authorities are encouraging people throughout the state to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes by using repellant, reapplying regularly, and wearing light, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, covered footwear and socks.

In addition, the advice recommends avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, checking window and door screens and removing items that collect water from around the home, such as empty pots and old tyres.

The JE vaccine is available through local GPs, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.

For further information, visit health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/mosquito-borne/Pages/default.aspx