Japanese encephalitis vaccine (JEV)

Eligible people currently include:

• All Aboriginal residents of the Kimberley aged 2 months or older.
• All non-Aboriginal residents of the Kimberley aged 2 months or older residing outside the suburbs of Broome, Cable Beach, Djugun, Minyirr and Bilingurr.
• All non-Aboriginal people experiencing homelessness residing in Broome.
• Pilbara residents aged 2 months or older who meet the following criteria:
  • Residents of postcode 6753 including Newman
  • Residents of postcode 6762 (Western Desert)
• People living and/or working in an eligible suburb or postcode for at least a 30-day period who spend significant time (at least 4 hours per day) outdoors for unavoidable work, recreation, education or other essential activities. This excludes those working in the mining industry.
• People who work directly with mosquitoes, and indirectly through sentinel animal surveillance systems in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions (for example, environmental health officers, entomologists, environmental consultants involved in mosquito management, rangers and park staff, and depot workers).
• Diagnostic and research laboratory workers who are likely to handle live JEV.

Proof of eligibility:

• Bring evidence of primary residence in an eligible postcode, like a driver’s licence, Medicare card, utilities bill, or similar.
• Employees must bring a letter from their employer to the vaccination appointment to confirm eligibility.

People who wish to be vaccinated against JEV for overseas and interstate travel should visit their medical provider or travel medicine clinic for a private prescription.

The vaccine should not be given to people who have had: 

• anaphylaxis after a previous dose of any Japanese encephalitis vaccine
• anaphylaxis after any component of an Japanese encephalitis vaccine.

The 2 vaccines available in Australia are safe and effective for adults and children:

• Imojev® (a single dose, live attenuated virus vaccine) for people aged 9 months and over
• JEspect® (also known as Ixiaro, which is a 2-dose, inactivated vaccine that is given 28 days apart) for pregnant women, immunocompromised people, and infants aged 2 months and over.

If you are pregnant or immunocompromised, consult with your immunisation provider to ensure you receive the right vaccine.

Common side effects

Common side effects of JE vaccines are usually mild, occur soon after vaccination, last 1 to 2 days, and resolve without special treatment. These can include:

These side effects usually only last a few days and occur within 5 to 7 days after a ‘live’ vaccine (Imojev) and 3 days of the inactivated vaccine (JEspect).

• pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling where the vaccine was given
• fever, more often in children
• headache or muscle aches, mainly in adults.

Specific treatment is not usually required.

Serious side effects

The following serious side effects should be reported to your immunisation provider as soon as possible:

Imojev®

• Throat pain
• Viral infections
• Shortness of breath.

JEspect®

• Abnormal sensations including tingling or numbness
• Painful swelling of arms and legs
• Fainting.

As with any medicine, there is a very small chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction. Severe reactions to JE vaccine are very rare. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that occurs suddenly.

Early signs of anaphylaxis include redness and/or itching of the skin, swelling (hives), breathing difficulties, persistent cough, hoarse voice and a sense of distress. Anaphylaxis is very rare and usually occurs within 15 minutes of vaccination.

People who experience serious or rare side effects should immediately consult their GP or go to their nearest emergency department.

When to seek help

If you or someone in your care for has a reaction that worries you, seek medical advice:

• tell your immunisation provider if you’re still at the clinic
• see your doctor
• phone 1800MEDICARE on 1800 633 422
• visit your hospital emergency department
• call an ambulance. 

Concerns about side effects

Your immunisation provider should report all suspected significant reactions, but you can also make a report. Report any reaction that causes concern, whether minor or serious, to the Western Australian Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system (external site).

Report it:

• via the WA Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system (external site) website
• by phoning WAVSS on 6456 0208 (9 am to 5 pm).

WAVSS may contact you for further information.

For more information, visit Reporting side effects after immunisation.

For more information about JEV vaccines, refer to the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccines | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (external site).

JEV vaccines are available from immunisation providers, including:

• GPs (general practice)
• travel clinics
• community health immunisation clinics
• Aboriginal Medical Services

Please contact the immunisation provider before booking an appointment, as the vaccine may need to be ordered and requires a few days’ notice.

Some providers may charge a consultation fee. Check whether any fees apply when booking your vaccination appointment.