The Victorian, Queensland and Western Australian Governments have announced an initiative to provide wider access to the vaccine for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a rare but serious mosquito-borne infection that can cause severe brain inflammation. Fortunately, for those in Tasmania and South Australia, no cases have been detected to date.
In certain regional and high-risk areas, you will now be able to access the vaccine free of charge. You can find a list of these eligible areas via the links provided for Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. Eligibility often extends beyond residents to anyone planning outdoor recreation, such as camping, hiking, fishing or boating, in these regions.
Please speak with your GP about your individual circumstances, as there are different Japanese encephalitis vaccines available, and your doctor can recommend the most suitable option based on your medical history and travel plans.
A special note for those with asplenia or hyposplenia
If you live without a functioning spleen, or with reduced spleen function, extra caution is needed when travelling or camping in areas where JEV and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present.
Reduced spleen function can mean a weaker immune response to infections, so preventing mosquito bites in the first place is especially important. Speak with your specialist or GP well before you travel to discuss vaccination and any additional precautions specific to your condition.