Japanese encephalitis vaccine eligibility update

What is the issue?

Since 2022, Japanese encephalitis (JE) continues to be detected in Victoria and other south-eastern Australian states. There is an ongoing risk of Japanese encephalitis and other mosquito-borne diseases in high-risk areas of regional Victoria. This year’s mosquito season has been prolonged with episodes of heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of northern Victoria.

Eligibility criteria for the free JE vaccine have been simplified. All people aged 2 months or older who live or work in eligible high-risk local governments areas in Victoria are eligible for the free JE vaccine.

In addition, to keep Victorians protected over the coming months, the Japanese encephalitis vaccination program has been temporarily expanded.

Until 31 July 2026, people aged 2 months or older who plan to visit any of the eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria, or any interstate high-risk areas, for any outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning, fishing, boating and hunting are now also eligible for a free vaccine.

People at increased risk of Japanese encephalitis regardless of local government area criteria, continue to remain eligible for a free JE vaccine.

There are 24 local government areas (LGAs) in Victoria that are currently eligible for a free vaccine. Medicare eligibility to receive a free JE vaccine is not required. More information on Japanese encephalitis and the complete vaccine eligibility criteria, including information on eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria and interstate, is available at Japanese encephalitis.

Who is at risk?

People at risk of mosquito bites while in high-risk areas where human cases and virus detections have been reported are at greatest risk of Japanese encephalitis and other mosquito-borne diseases.

There is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis. Therefore, it is important to stay protected by getting vaccinated if eligible and following mosquito-bite prevention advice.

Symptoms and transmission

Japanese encephalitis virus can spread to people through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Most people experience no or mild symptoms. In some rare cases, Japanese encephalitis can cause serious infection with fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches or pains, neck or back stiffness, sensitivity to light, confusion, seizures, coma and other neurological illness and may lead to permanent disability or even death.

Anyone who has spent time in high-risk areas of regional Victoria and develop these symptoms should seek urgent medical care and testing.

Recommendations

For the general public:

• Any person aged 2 months or older who lives or works in eligible high-risk local government areas (LGAs) in Victoria is eligible for a free JE vaccine.
• Until 31 July 2026, people who plan to visit any of the high-risk local government areas in Victoria, or any interstate high-risk areas, for any outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning, fishing, boating and hunting are now also eligible for a free JE vaccine.
• Priority groups at increased risk of Japanese encephalitis regardless of local government area criteria remain eligible for a free JE vaccine.
• For more information on Japanese encephalitis and vaccine eligibility, including information on eligible local government areas in Victoria and interstate, visit Japanese encephalitis.
• Speak to your doctor (GP) or local immunisation provider to check if you are eligible for a free vaccine ahead of any planned travel during the coming months.
• Stay protected against Japanese encephalitis and other mosquito-borne diseases by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites. For more advice, visit Protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases on Better Health Channel.

For health professionals:

• Any person aged 2 months or older who lives or works in eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria is eligible for a free JE vaccine.
• The Japanese encephalitis vaccination program has been temporarily expanded until 31 July 2026. Eligibility now includes people aged 2 months or older who plan to visit any of the high-risk local government areas (LGAs) in Victoria, or any interstate high-risk area, for any outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning, fishing, boating and hunting.
• Priority groups who are at increased risk of Japanese encephalitis regardless of local government area criteria, continue to remain eligible for a free Japanese encephalitis vaccine.
• Immunisation providers are encouraged to recommend the Japanese encephalitis vaccine to all eligible people, including those planning travel for outdoor recreation in the coming months. Medicare eligibility is not required to receive a free vaccine.
• Complete vaccine eligibility criteria, including information on eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria and interstate, are available at Japanese encephalitis.
• Japanese encephalitis is an urgent notifiable condition which requires notification to the Department of Health upon initial diagnosis or clinical suspicion as soon as practicable and within 24 hours.