Murrumbidgee Local Health District made the announcement last week, urging locals who are now eligible to come forward with access to the vaccine expanded to include priority groups in high-risk LGAs.
The JEV Vaccine is now recommended for people who are aged between 50-65, live or work in the southern NSW region and along the Victorian border, and are employed in an occupation that is largely or totally outdoors (defined as spending at least four hours per day outdoors).
“The JEV vaccine is available through local General Practitioners for those who are eligible,” Tracey Oakman, MLHD Director of Public Health said.
“If you meet the above criteria, we encourage you to make an appointment with your GP and advise them it is for the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine. However, you may need to give your GP a few days’ notice so the GP can order the vaccine.”
“Further expansion of the JEV vaccine program will depend on vaccine supply and findings from the community seroprevalence survey taking place in regional NSW,” Mrs Oakman said.
Corowa resident and JEV advocate Jaqueline Monk welcomed the news.
“It’s a huge relief. I know so many people in town who are very concerned about the situation, particularly because mosquitoes are still around during winter this year,” Ms Monk said.
Ms Monk’s husband David Keifel lost his life in May after being infected with JEV in February. During his illness and since his passing, Ms Monk tirelessly lobbied the Australian Government, national and international medical bodies, and veterinary experts to have the vaccine readily available for at-risk communities.
“People I’ve spoken to in the community are very way and just don’t want to do the things they normally do in spring and summer,” she said.
“Everyone is hanging out for vaccine, particularly parents and older residents. I have a gardener who is as cautious as possible. It’s important that anyone who is eligible come forward and receive it.”
Ms Monk also recommended community members purchase EnviroSafe Mosquito Drops to protect themselves around the home.
“I’ve certainly let everyone I see in the community know to purchase this product which is available form hardware stores,” she said.
“You just put a couple of drops in your water features, ponds, pet water or stock water. It’s completely pet safe. Basically, it forms a film on top of the water and any larvae can’t actually emerge and the mozzies can’t lay eggs.”
Up River Road resident Mick Humphreys, who was infected by the virus in March, also welcomed the news, but said the vaccine should be available to any resident who wanted to receive it.
“After what’s happened to me, I would hope there is an opportunity for more community members to receive the vaccine,” he said.
“My concern is for people with weakened immune systems, young children, and pregnant mothers. Anyone at any age is at risk so hopefully we will see the vaccine program expanded before spring.
“A lot of people travel here and camp along the river with their children, so I’d hate to see anything bad happen. We will all be at a high-risk next Summer.”
Thirteen people were diagnosed with Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) in NSW earlier this year and two of those people died. In Victoria, 10 people were diagnosed with one death. All were estimated to have acquired the virus between mid-January and the end of February.
JEV is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. It is a common infection in the tropical regions of Asia and was detected for the first time in NSW in late February 2022. The virus can also infect other animals, such as birds and pigs.
Environmental control measures residents can take to reduce their risk of exposure include:
- Cover openings such as windows and doors with insect screens.
- Remove water-holding containers outside your house where mosquitoes can breed.
- Improve drainage on your property so that water does not become stagnant
Personal protective measures to take once mosquitos appear (usually from late spring until winter) to protect yourself include:
- Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.
- Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk.
- Apply repellent to all areas of exposed skin, especially those that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus which are the most effective against mosquitoes.
- Reapply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent.
- Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos. Mosquito coils should only be used outside.
For the latest information on confirmed cases of JEV and advice on how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases visit the NSW Health website health.nsw.gov.au/jevirus or in Victoria visit health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/information-for-the-public-japanese-encephalitis-in-victoria
