Macedon Ranges residents are now eligible for a free Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccination in time for the fast-approaching mosquito season.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and visited Springs Medical in Kyneton on Friday, November 1 to announce that the eligibility for the state’s free JEV vaccination program has expanded to include people living in Macedon Ranges, Alpine, Mansfield, and Mitchell local government areas.
The announcement follows advice from Victoria’s chief health officer, with the program focussing on regional local government areas, mainly inland riverine regions, where there is higher risk of exposure to the virus.
Most of those infected with JEV present no or mild symptoms, but one in 250 people develop severe infection of the brain – otherwise known as encephalitis.
The symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches, and in severe cases, those who develop encephalitis or meningitis are at risk of dying from the infection.
Ms Thomas said that there are additional measures people in higher-risk areas can take to protect themselves from infection.
“Summer provides mosquitos with an ideal breeding ground – as well as getting vaccinated against JEV, Victorians in high-risk areas should take simple actions, like wearing loose-fitting clothes and using mosquito repellent,” Ms Thomas said.
The free JEV vaccine is available for eligible people through GPs, Aboriginal health services, community pharmacies and some local councils.
Victorians can contact their local public health unit for further information or assistance with finding their local immunisation provider.
JEV typically occurs in many parts of southern and eastern Asia, and in recent years, has extended beyond its traditional boundaries to eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Torres Strait.
It was first detected in Victoria, and several other parts of Australia, in 2022.
