Residents of Goolwa, Hindmarsh Island, Milang and other areas around Lake Alexandrina and the River Murray may now be eligible to receive a free Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccine.

SA Health says free JEV vaccinations will be available soon for people who have a primary residence in an eligible area and spend at spend at least four hours per day outdoors most days.

People employed in a role located in an eligible postcode and spend at least four hours per day outdoors as part of their occupation most days will also be eligible.

The vaccines will be available from the Alexandrina Council Offices in Cadell Street in Goolwa, the Milang Institute and at several locations in Murray Bridge and in Meningie. Bookings will be available online.

People eligible to receive a JEV vaccine will need to provide evidence of primary residence in an eligible postcode, for example an address linked to a Medicare card, or a letter from their employer.

People with a secondary residence/holiday house in one of the listed postcodes are not currently eligible for the free JEV vaccine.

SA Health says vaccine supply is currently limited in Australia and the eligible groups may be expanded once more vaccine is available.

People who need a vaccine to travel overseas are not eligible under this program, and instead should contact a travel medicine clinic.

The virus is spread to humans through mosquito bites. Most people who have JEV do not experience any symptoms or illness, but it can cause a rare and potentially life-threatening infection of the brain.

People who spend time in areas along the River Murray where JEV has been detected are most at risk of catching the virus.

There are simple steps that can be taken to protect yourself and your family against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases:

Wear long, loose fitting clothing.

Use insect repellent.

Eliminate the water the mosquitoes can breed in.

For more information, to make an appointment for the vaccine, view an employer letter template or to check the list of eligible postcodes visit the SA Health website.