Free access to Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine has been extended in NSW to ensure residents living in high-risk regional areas - including Edward River, Murray River and the Murrumbidgee and Berrigan Shire council areas - are protected this mosquito season.
The change in eligibility criteria removes the need for people living in high-risk areas to spend at least four hours per day outdoors and clarifies other criteria to help people assess if they can access the free vaccine.
The JE vaccine is now recommended for people aged two months or older who live or routinely work in any of the high-risk local government areas and: regularly spend time outdoors placing them at risk of mosquito bites; are experiencing homelessness; living in conditions with limited mosquito protection or are engaging in outdoor flood recovery (clean-up) efforts.
The vaccine is available through local GPs, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.