Japanese encephalitis vaccination
Safe and effective vaccines for Japanese encephalitis (JE) are available in Australia for people aged 2 months and older.
The ACT Government funds JE vaccines for people most at risk.
If you’re not eligible, you can still get the vaccine privately. It is also available for people travelling overseas.
Who can get a free JE vaccine in the ACT
You are eligible for a free JE vaccine in the ACT if you are at higher risk.
People working with pigs
You are eligible if you:
- work at or live at a piggery
- are planning a non‑deferrable visit to a piggery
- transport pigs
- are a veterinarian or work caring for pigs
- work at or need to visit a pork abattoir or rendering plant.
This includes family members (including children aged 2 months and over) living at piggeries.
People working with mosquitoes or JE virus
You are eligible if you:
- work in mosquito surveillance or control
- are an environmental health worker
- are an entomologist or similar specialist
- work in a laboratory handling JE virus or infected mosquitoes.
People working outdoors in high-risk areas
You are eligible if you:
- do prolonged outdoor work in JE high-risk areas
- are involved in activities like flood clean-up where stagnant water is present.
People travelling to high-risk areas
Until 31 July 2026 you are eligible if you live in the ACT and plan any outdoor recreational activities in JE high-risk areas.
Examples include:
- camping
- hiking
- fishing
- boating
- caravanning
- hunting.
High-risk JE areas
JE high-risk areas are in parts of:
Check each state or territory website for current locations.
Vaccine ordering and reporting
If you are an authorised provider:
- order JE vaccines using the ACT vaccine order form
- report all vaccinations to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Providers should keep a small supply of Imojev for opportunistic vaccination.
Use JEspect only for patients who cannot receive Imojev.
You must have a patient booked before ordering JEspect.
You do not need to submit data to the ACT Immunisation Section.
Booking a vaccination
If you think you’re eligible:
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Tell them you need the government-funded JE vaccine (they may need to order it).
Costs
- The vaccine is free if you are eligible.
- You may need to pay an administration fee.
- You do not need a Medicare card.
It can take up to 2 weeks for the vaccine to protect you. Plan ahead and book early.
More information
Find out more about Japanese encephalitis.