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AMA (NSW) is urging all Australians who are eligible to get vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis to get jabbed, and for those who are ineligible to take precautions against mosquito bites.
This comes amidst predictions of a high-risk summer and slow vaccine uptake in at-risk communities.
“It’s really simple,” said AMA (NSW) President, Dr Michael Bonning. “Some NSW residents should be rolling up their sleeves to get their vaccine, while others need to keep them rolled down.”
He added, “It really depends on where you live and work, and what your risk of exposure is.
“Anyone west of Dubbo should check if they are in a local government area of high Japanese encephalitis virus concern. In addition, if you spend more than four hours a day outdoors, or live in temporary or floor damaged accommodation, or have been involved in prolonged flood recovery efforts, then you may be eligible for a free vaccine,” Dr Bonning said.
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is safe and effective for people aged two months or older.
A free vaccine is recommended for anyone in NSW who works, lives, or is visiting a piggery or pork abattoir or rendering plant. The free vaccine is also recommended for NSW residents who work with mosquitoes such as etymologists, environmental health officers and mosquito surveillance and control workers.
“We’re expecting warm, wet weather this summer and an increase in mosquitoes. Aside from being annoying and leaving an itchy welt, mosquitos can carry and spread viruses such as Japanese encephalitis. This can lead to serious illness.
“Ask your GP if you are eligible for a free vaccine. And if you’re not, there are other precautions you can take to prevent bites – cover up, wear insect repellent, keep windows and doors closed or install flyscreens, and remove stagnant water from buckets or watering cans,” Dr Bonning said.
NSW Health’s Japanese encephalitis virus information and list of high risk LGAs: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/infectious/jev/pages/vaccination.aspx
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