The Victorian Government has announced expanded Japanese Encephalitis vaccine eligibility will continue for this summer with 20 local government areas, including Campaspe, providing free Japanese Encephalitis vaccines to protect eligible Victorians at risk of the virus.
Campaspe is one of the municipalities considered at higher risk of Japanese Encephalitis virus infection especially for people regularly spending time outdoors. The vaccine is free and available from GPs, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, community pharmacies and local councils.
Campaspe Shire Council Director Communities Jo Bradshaw said that the risks of infection from mosquito bites rises usually between November and March when there is an increased number of mosquitos.
"Now is a great time to get ahead of the game and get vaccinated against Japanese Encephalitis ahead of this year's mosquito season,' said Ms Bradshaw.
Council is hosting public immunisation sessions across the Campaspe area for the Japanese Encephalitis vaccination on the following dates:
- Tuesday, 10 October from 12noon - 1pm at the Gunbower Recreation Reserve
- Thursday, 12 October from 4 - 5.30pm at the Echuca Library
- Thursday, 26, October from 4 - 5.30pm at the Rochester Service Centre
The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is available free-of-charge and bookings are not required so walk-ins are welcome. Residents will need their Medicare card as a consent form is to be completed on the day.
If a person is "at risk", such as babies, pregnant or breastfeeding women, they will need to refer to a GP or medical clinic to receive the vaccination.
