What is Japanese Encephalitis (JE)?
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is spread through bites from mosquitos, which become infected through biting infected pigs and waterbirds.
Whilst most people who contract the disease are asymptomatic, others may experience fever, headache and disorientation, a severe infection may result in inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), seizures and coma.
The Japanese Encephalitis virus was detected in Victoria for the first time in February 2022. JE virus was initially detected in pigs, and locally acquired human cases of JE, and virus detections in mosquitoes were subsequently identified across Victoria, including the Greater Bendigo region.
We offer the government funded vaccine for eligible people who have increased exposure to mosquitoes, particularly those in regional areas and who work with or are in contact with pigs. Immunisation is available without a script with only a pharmacist service fee applicable.
For those not eligible for the government funded immunisation, activities such as camping, working or spending time outdoors in mosquito prone areas may increase your risk of contracting JE and therefore private vaccination should be considered.
Some Victorian residents are entitled to a free JE vaccine due to risk factors such as working or living conditions. An injection fee is payable on the day of your appointment.
To see if you are at risk and are eligible for this subsidised service, click here.
This vaccination is also available as a privately funded service for those who are not eligible. Speak to one of our team or call Health@Hargreaves on 03 5442 0444 to discuss current costs and availability.
Payment is required at the time of the vaccine being administered.
Pre-booking is recommended for this service. Whilst we do offer walk-in service at all BUFS Pharmacies, service is subject to availability and timing.
Ask our Pharmacists about Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
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People aged 2 months or older who live or routinely work in any of the eligible local government areas (LGAs) AND:
regularly spend time engaging in outdoor activities that place them as 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 natural disaster response activities, including repeated professional or volunteer deployments.*
Eligible LGAs
Alpine, Benalla, Buloke, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Indigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges. Mansfield, Mildura, Mitchell, Moira, Northern Grampians, Strathbogie, Swan Hill, Towong. Wangaratta, West Wimmera, Wodonga and Yarriambiack
People who work at, reside at, or have a planned non-deferrable visit to a:
piggery, including but not limited to farm workers and their families (including children aged 2 months and older) living at the piggery, transport workers, veterinarians (including veterinary students and nurses) and others involved in the care of pigs
property that has been confirmed to be infected with JE virus
property suspected to be infected with JE virus
pork abattoir or pork rendering plant.
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:
environmental health officers and workers (urban and remote)
entomologists
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The JE vaccine is given as a two-dose series—typically 28 days apart. A booster may be recommended for ongoing or repeated exposure. It’s approved for use from 2 months of age and is considered safe and effective.
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Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can lead to brain inflammation. It may be mild or, in rare cases, life-threatening. Unfortunately, there’s no cure—but vaccination is the best line of defence to protect yourself.
Last updated August 29 2024.