Broken Hill is one of 41 local government areas where Japanese encephalitis (JE) – spread by mosquito bites – is of high concern so NSW has expanded those eligible for a jab.
The JE vaccine is recommended for people aged two months and older who live or work in high-risk LGAs and regularly spend time outdoors, are experiencing homelessness, are living in conditions with limited mosquito protection, or are engaging in outdoor flood recovery efforts.
“Now is a great time to vaccinate, not just because we’re in the midst of mosquito season but because the eligibility criteria are now expanded to include a much broader group within affected regional areas,” NSW Health Director of One Health, Keria Glasgow, said.
“However, it’s important the community continues to stay vigilant and take precautions against mosquito bites altogether because, aside from Japanese encephalitis, mosquitoes carry a range of viruses for which there are no vaccines.”
People can take action to prevent mosquito bites by:
- Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks, especially around dusk and dawnwearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks, especially around dusk and dawn
- applying repellent to all areas of exposed skin, using repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming, being sure to always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
- using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos (mosquito coils should only be used outside)
- covering openings such as windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps in them
- removing items that might collect water (such as old tyres, empty pots) outside your house where mosquitoes can breed
- improving drainage on your property so that water does not become stagnant.
The JE vaccine is available through local GPs, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists. Providers may require a few days’ notice to order the vaccine, so it’s recommended those requiring it, call ahead of time and make an appointment.
For more information, visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/infectious/jev/pages/vaccination.aspx.
