More central and northern Victorians will be eligible to receive a Japan encephalitis virus vaccine

While there are no confirmed cases of JEV in Victoria, flooding and heavy rainfall across the state can mean greater risk of infections spread by mosquitoes this season.

Previously available to a select group of people in northern and central Victoria, the Department of Health has announced more people will now be eligible.

However, residents are urged not just to rely on the vaccination.

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"While getting vaccinated is important, everyone should focus on preventing being bitten by mosquitoes," Deputy Chief Health Officer Associate Professor Deborah Friedman said.

"This includes wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, using insect repellents, clearing stagnant water around your home and avoiding areas with lots of mosquitoes, especially at dusk and dawn.

"We know mosquitoes don't breed in initial flood waters, but that the risk increases as these waters recede and leave behind pools of stagnant water."

Vaccination against JEV is now available for anyone aged two months or older who:

The vaccine is free for people who meet these criteria and is available from Campaspe, Gannawarra, Greater Shepparton, Indigo, Loddon, Mildura, Moira, Swan Hill, Wodonga, Towong, Benalla, Wangaratta and Strathbogie local councils and local public health units.

Select GPs and community pharmacies can also provide the vaccine itself for free, but may charge a fee for the administration.

People living in areas experiencing mosquito activity should undertake measures now and over the coming months to protect themselves against not just JEV, but other mosquito-borne diseases for which no vaccine is available - including Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Murray Valley encephalitis.

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Most people who develop JEV infection will have no symptoms, but one per cent can develop serious illness. JEV can cause a rare, potentially severe infection of the brain.

Earlier in 2022, Victoria recorded 13 cases of JEV infection, the most recent of which was in March.

"While the risk remains low, and we have not detected any Japanese encephalitis in mosquitoes or animals as part of our surveillance activities so far this season, this increased access means more people can now protect themselves," Associate Professor Friedman said.

As there is limited supply of the vaccine internationally, eligibility criteria and free options for JEV vaccination are being managed carefully to ensure those most at risk have access.

The Health Department has said it would continue to work with the Commonwealth and other states to make the best use of available vaccines, and to obtain more vaccines when available.

For the full eligibility criteria, visit the Department of Health's website.

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