As the mosquito season continues, the New South Wales Government is expanding and simplifying access to the free Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine to better protect residents in high-risk regional areas.
Five additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) — Uralla, Glen Innes Severn, Kyogle, Lismore and Richmond Valley — have now been added to the eligibility list for the free JE vaccine. In addition, the criteria for accessing the vaccine have been simplified, making it easier for people in affected communities to receive protection.
In NSW, the vaccine is available free of charge to individuals aged two months and older who live or work — including as volunteers — in the designated high-risk LGAs and are at risk of mosquito bites.
So far this year, five people in NSW have acquired JE. Tragically, two of these individuals have died. The JE virus is spread by mosquitoes and can infect both animals and humans. There is no specific treatment for JE, and in some cases, the virus can lead to severe neurological illness, including headache, convulsions, reduced consciousness, and death.
The vaccine can be accessed through local General Practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal health services and participating pharmacists. Residents are encouraged to book an appointment and inform the provider that it is for the JE vaccine, as it may take a few days to order. Once administered, the vaccine takes up to two weeks to provide protection.
With the upcoming long weekend and school holidays, authorities are reminding residents across the state to take precautions against mosquito bites while enjoying outdoor activities.
Simple steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites include:
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Applying repellent to exposed skin. Choose products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus and follow label directions for reapplication.
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Reapplying repellent after swimming and applying SPF 50+ sunscreen before repellent.
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Using child-safe repellents for children over three months of age, as directed on the label.
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Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and covered shoes.
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Avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
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Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensers and mosquito coils (only outdoors in well-ventilated areas).
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Ensuring windows and doors are fitted with insect screens and checking for any gaps.
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Removing stagnant water around the home, such as in old tyres and pots, to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
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Protecting infants under three months using mosquito netting over carriers.
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When camping, using tents with fly screens or sleeping under mosquito nets.
