NSW Health is expanding free access to the Japanese encephalitis vaccine to people who plan to visit high-risk local government areas for outdoor recreation, following detection of the virus late in the mosquito season.
People living or working in eight additional local government areas are now eligible to access the free JE vaccine. The additional LGAs are Armidale, Ballina, Bathurst, Byron, Oberon, Tweed, Walcha, and Yass Valley.
Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is also now available until the start of winter for anyone in NSW who plans to visit any defined high-risk LGAs for outdoor recreational activities such as camping, caravanning, boating, hunting and fishing while mosquito activity remains high.
Dr Keira Glasgow, NSW Health Director One Health Branch said of the seven cases reported in NSW in the last two years, six are believed to have been bitten by mosquitoes while camping or caravanning.
"One of the reasons we have temporarily expanded access to the JE vaccine is because we are experiencing a prolonged mosquito season," Dr Glasgow said.
"The majority of confirmed cases have been from people visiting these high-risk areas for outdoor recreation so we are urging people to protect themselves against mosquito bites, particularly if planning a camping or fishing trip in the coming weeks."
JE is a rare but serious illness spread by infected mosquitoes. While many people experience mild illness, it can cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions and reduced consciousness and in rare cases can be fatal.
The virus was most recently detected by NSW Health in sentinel chicken surveillance testing at Hay on 25 February 2026.
"There is no specific treatment for JE virus so prevention through vaccination is essential," Dr Glasgow said.
"People planning to travel to the high-risk regions in the school holidays should have a discussion with their vaccination provider as soon as possible, as protection from the vaccine can take up to two weeks to develop."
JE vaccine is available through local general practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.
People living, working or planning an outdoor trip to high-risk LGAs should make an appointment and let healthcare provider know it is for the JE vaccine ahead of time, as the vaccine may need to be ordered.
A booster dose may be recommended for some people with ongoing risk of exposure one to two years after completing their primary course.
Information on eligibility for a free JE vaccine is available on Japanese encephalitis vaccination.
For more information on protecting yourself from mosquito bites visit: Mosquito borne diseases.
