Greater Shepparton City Council is providing free Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccines to anyone two months of age or older and meet the Department of Health eligibility criteria. You must meet the following criteria to be eligible.
- • Live or routinely work within the Greater Shepparton LGA
- • Spend significant time outdoors (four hours per day) for unavoidable work, educational or other essential activities
- • Living in temporary or flood damaged accommodation
- • Are engaged in prolonged outdoor recovery efforts - four weeks or longer
- • Work at or live on a piggery
- • Directly work with pigs, pork abattoirs or rending plants
- • Personnel who work directly with mosquitoes
- • All diagnostic and research laboratory workers who may be exposed to JE virus.
A full completed list is available on the Department of Health website
There has been an increase in mosquito population due to recent heavy rainfall and floods within the region. High numbers of mosquitoes will continue over the summer months. Due to the increase in populations, the vaccine will provide protection from JE, however it does not protect you from other mosquito borne diseases such as Ross River virus, Murray Valley virus and Barmah Forest virus. It is advised to use mosquito repellent during attendance at outdoor events to minimise the risk of any mosquito borne infections.
The JE Clinic is located at Riverlinks Eastbank, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, bookings can be made online or call 03 5832 9744. Walk-ins are not accepted, please bring your Medicare card to your appointment.
If you have any concerns about your health, talk to your doctor or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024.
