More South Australians will be able to access the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) vaccine, with eligibility now expanded.

The expansion removes the requirement to be outdoors for four hours on most days for people living or engaging in outdoor flood recovery (clean-up) efforts in eligible high-risk areas adjacent to the River Murray.

This expansion criteria brings South Australia in line with Victoria and New South Wales, and now includes people who:

• regularly spend time outdoors placing them at risk of mosquito bites.
• are experiencing homelessness.
• are living in conditions with limited mosquito protection, such as tents, caravans, or dwellings with no insect screens.
• are engaging in outdoor flood recovery (clean-up) efforts, including repeated professional or volunteer deployments.

It follows an expansion in December, in which the vaccine became available to shack owners who have, or were expecting to have, their holiday property flooded.

Eligible emergency services workers supporting the Riverland community were also included in that expansion.

Since the targeted JEV vaccination program began in October last year, almost 23,800 JEV vaccinations have been administered in South Australia.

The vaccine is available at participating local pharmacies and GPs.

The increased eligibility comes as 9,000 extra vaccines have been made available to SA Health with limited stock nationally.

Health Minister Chris Picton says there is a limited supply of the JEV vaccine nationally and this expansion is targeting those who are most at risk. 

“I encourage South Australians who are looking to receive the vaccine to book in their appointment now.“

Nine people in South Australia acquired JEV in South Australia last year – with all cases hospitalised and sadly two deaths. 

There have been no cases reported this year to date.

Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier says the JEV vaccination produces lasting protection in most people.

“So it’s important for eligible people to take up the vaccine now whilst available in order to protect themselves against the virus in the warmer months when mosquito activity increases. 

“I strongly encourage eligible people in the River Murray, Coorong and surrounding areas to get vaccinated against JEV if they have not already done so.”

For more information about the JEV vaccine and eligibility visit the SA Health website.