20/03/2026
🗣️ Free vaccine for resident’s who reside in the Upper Lachlan or Yass Valley LGA🗣️
Please call our medical reception if you would like to book in (02) 4845 1166 ext 2
JE is a rare but serious illness spread by infected mosquitoes. While many people experience mild illness, it can cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions and reduced consciousness and in rare cases can be fatal.
The virus was most recently detected by NSW Health in sentinel chicken surveillance testing at Hay on 25 February 2026.
“There is no specific treatment for JE virus so prevention through vaccination is essential," Ms Glasgow said.
“People planning to travel to the high-risk regions in the school holidays should have a discussion with their vaccination provider as soon as possible, as protection from the vaccine can take up to two weeks to develop."
JE vaccine is available through local general practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.
People living, working or planning an outdoor trip to high-risk LGAs should make an appointment and let healthcare provider know it is for the JE vaccine ahead of time, as the vaccine may need to be ordered.
A booster dose may be recommended for some people with ongoing risk of exposure one to two years after completing their primary course.
Information on eligibility for a free JE vaccine is available here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/jev/Pages/vaccination.aspx
For more information on protecting yourself from mosquito bites visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mosquitoes
