Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Visit your local community Pharmacist for a Japanese Encephalitis vaccination today.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Visit your local community Pharmacist for a Japanese Encephalitis vaccination today.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Visit your local community Pharmacist for a Japanese Encephalitis vaccination today.
Japanese Encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain.
The infection is caused by the Japanese Encephalitis virus and can be spread to humans through mosquito bites1.
Here are three things you need to know about Japanese Encephalitis.
In early 2022, Japanese encephalitis virus was detected in pigs in Victoria and cases were subsequently confirmed1.
Anyone is at risk of getting Japanese encephalitis as it is spread through mosquito bites, however those who work near pigs are more susceptible1.
Symptoms usually develop in five to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito1.
Visit your local Blooms The Chemist to get vaccinated against Japanese Encephalitis today*.
*Minimum age restrictions apply. Speak to your Pharmacist about the minimum age for child vaccinations. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (parent or guardian must bring photo ID as proof of guardianship).
References
1Better Health Victoria, Japanese encephalitis, accessed 21 March 2023
Japanese Encephalitis FAQS
What is Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is a serious disease that’s caused by the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV)1.
It is regularly found in parts of Asia and in some places around Australia.
1Healthdirect, Japanese Encephalitis, accessed 21 March 2023
What are the symptoms of Japanese encephalitis?
For people who experience Japanese encephalitis symptoms, they can suffer from permanent injury to the brain and nervous system as well as pass away.
However, only about one in 100 people with Japanese encephalitis will experience symptoms.
Some symptoms include1:
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Fever
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Headaches
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Neck stiffness
Symptoms appear around five to 15 days after being bitten by a JEV-infected mosquito. Most JE virus infections are asymptomatic.
1Healthdirect, Japanese Encephalitis, accessed 21 March 2023
How is Japanese encephalitis spread?
Japanese encephalitis is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes1. Animals, such as pigs, can catch JEV, but they do not transfer the virus to humans.
You cannot catch Japanese encephalitis through contact with infected people or animals as well as by eating meat from an infected animal.
1Healthdirect, Japanese Encephalitis, accessed 21 March 2023
How do I get diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis?
Your doctor can diagnose you with Japanese encephalitis by asking you about your symptoms and getting a blood test to confirm1.
Japanese encephalitis is a notifiable disease, which means that a doctor who diagnoses you with Japanese encephalitis needs to report the case to local health authorities so they can take steps to control an outbreak.
1Healthdirect, Japanese Encephalitis, accessed 21 March 2023
How is Japanese encephalitis treated?
Unfortunately, there is no specific medicine or treatment available to treat Japanese encephalitis1.
There are some strategies that you can use to relieve your symptoms at home, including:
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Getting plenty of rest
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Drinking enough fluids
If your symptoms are severe, you might need treatment in hospital.
1Healthdirect, Japanese Encephalitis, accessed 21 March 2023
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine FAQS
What is the Japanese encephalitis vaccine?
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is safe, effective and recommended for those who are at higher risk of catching Japanese encephalitis.
However, there is currently limited supply in Australia as there is significant global demand for the vaccine1.
1Victorian Department of Health, Japanese encephalitis virus, accessed 21 March 2023
What are some common side effects of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine?
Some common side effects of the vaccine include1:
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Pain
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Tenderness
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Redness
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Swelling where the vaccine was given
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Fever in children
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Headaches or muscle aches in adults
1Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccines, accessed 21 March 2023
Is it recommended that I get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine?
Japanese encephalitis vaccinations are recommended for people at risk of exposure to the virus as advised by your local public health authority1.
1Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccines, accessed 21 March 2023
Is the Japanese encephalitis vaccine free for me?
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is not funded under the National Immunisation Program, which means that it is not free.
The vaccine may be free in your state, but this depends on whether you live in an eligible Local Government Area (LGA) and spend at least four days per day outdoors most days.
Find out more information about getting a Japanese encephalitis vaccine by state below: