Free Japanese Encephalitis Vaccines for Regional Victorians
11 Nov 2025
The vaccine is now available free of charge to eligible residents in 24 regional local government areas (LGAs) located in inland and riverine areas where the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission is higher.
This comes after the detection of JEV across parts of Australia last summer, including in areas where the virus had not been previously reported.
Health officials are urging GPs and community members to remain watchful for symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and muscle aches.
Eligibility for the free vaccine
Two vaccine options, Imojev and JEspect, are being offered through the free program at GP clinics, Aboriginal health services, pharmacies, and local councils.
Residents in the following LGAs are eligible:
Alpine, Benalla, Buloke, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Indigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield, Mildura, Mitchell, Moira, Northern Grampians, Strathbogie, Swan Hill, Towong, Wangaratta, West Wimmera, Wodonga, and Yarriambiack.
People who live outside these areas may still qualify if they work at or visit:
A piggery or property that has been infected or is suspected of having JEV infection
A pork abattoir or pork rendering plant
Understanding the Risks
Although most cases of JEV infection are mild, approximately 1 to 4 percent of people who are infected may experience more severe symptoms.
In severe cases, JEV can lead to encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain and can be life-threatening or result in long-term neurological issues.
Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas stated that the government’s vaccination program is aimed at protecting those communities that are most at risk.
“We are once again making the JEV vaccine available for Victorians who are most at risk, helping to keep communities safe from this preventable mosquito-borne disease,” she said.
The Victorian Government’s mosquito surveillance program continues to monitor and test mosquitoes throughout the state.
Reporting for the 2025–26 mosquito season has already begun.
Source: Victorian Department of Health – Japanese encephalitis virus vaccination program
This comes after the detection of JEV across parts of Australia last summer, including in areas where the virus had not been previously reported.
Health officials are urging GPs and community members to remain watchful for symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and muscle aches.
Eligibility for the free vaccine
Two vaccine options, Imojev and JEspect, are being offered through the free program at GP clinics, Aboriginal health services, pharmacies, and local councils.
Residents in the following LGAs are eligible:
Alpine, Benalla, Buloke, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Indigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield, Mildura, Mitchell, Moira, Northern Grampians, Strathbogie, Swan Hill, Towong, Wangaratta, West Wimmera, Wodonga, and Yarriambiack.
People who live outside these areas may still qualify if they work at or visit:
A piggery or property that has been infected or is suspected of having JEV infection
A pork abattoir or pork rendering plant
Understanding the Risks
Although most cases of JEV infection are mild, approximately 1 to 4 percent of people who are infected may experience more severe symptoms.
In severe cases, JEV can lead to encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain and can be life-threatening or result in long-term neurological issues.
Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas stated that the government’s vaccination program is aimed at protecting those communities that are most at risk.
“We are once again making the JEV vaccine available for Victorians who are most at risk, helping to keep communities safe from this preventable mosquito-borne disease,” she said.
The Victorian Government’s mosquito surveillance program continues to monitor and test mosquitoes throughout the state.
Reporting for the 2025–26 mosquito season has already begun.
Source: Victorian Department of Health – Japanese encephalitis virus vaccination program
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