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Greater Shepparton City Council offering free Japanese encephalitis vaccines to residents
Free Japanese encephalitis vaccinations are available to City of Greater Shepparton residents aged two months or older and who meet the Department of Health eligibility criteria.
With an increase in the mosquito population due to recent heavy rainfall and floods within the region, the vaccine will offer protection against Japanese encephalitis.
The virus, which could cause vomiting and cold-like symptoms, could be passed on by just one mosquito bite.
The vaccine does not protect against other mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River, Murray Valley and Barmah Forest viruses.
People who live or routinely work within the Greater Shepparton local government area, and spend significant time outdoors (four hours a day) for unavoidable work, educational or other essential activities are eligible.
People in temporary or flood-damaged accommodation or are engaged in prolonged outdoor recovery efforts for four weeks or longer are also eligible, as are people who have worked at or live on a piggery or work with pigs, or at pork abattoirs or rendering plants.
For more information, visit the Department of Health website www.health.vic.gov.au/health-advisories/japanese-encephalitis-vaccination-update
The vaccination clinic is at Riverlinks Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford St, Shepparton.
To book, visit greatershepparton.com.au/immunisation-bookings or phone 5832 9744.
Walk-ins are not accepted. You must bring your Medicare card to your appointment.