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Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine in Australia
A mosquito-borne illness now found on mainland Australia. Free vaccination is available through state programs for people at risk — tap your situation below.
📋 Sources:Australian Immunisation Handbook — Japanese encephalitis; NCIRS — JE FAQs; NSW, Victorian, SA and ACT health department JE vaccination programs. Verified June 2026 — state eligibility and funded dates change; confirm current rules with your state or territory health department. This page is general health information, not medical advice. Your GP, pharmacist or immunisation provider knows your circumstances — follow their advice.
Eligibility varies by state and changes. JE vaccine is funded through state and territory programs (not the National Immunisation Program). The defined risk areas, who’s covered, and any time-limited travel/recreation extensions differ between states and are updated regularly. Use this as a starting point, then confirm current eligibility and the risk-area map with your state or territory health department. Verified June 2026.
Might I be eligible for a free JE vaccine?
Tap what best fits — this points you to the next step, not a final answer.
↑ Select your situation to see the next step.
People who live or work in a defined JE risk area and may be bitten by mosquitoes are generally eligible for free vaccination. Next step: check whether your area is listed on your state health department’s JE risk-area map, then ask your GP, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service.
People who work at, live at, or visit a piggery — including farm workers and their families (children from 2 months), pig transport workers and veterinarians — are generally eligible regardless of location. Next step: ask your GP or workplace about the free JE program.
People who work with mosquitoes or in relevant diagnostic/research laboratories (including some environmental health roles) are generally eligible. Next step: confirm with your state health department or workplace and your GP.
Some states offer time-limited free vaccination for people travelling to a risk area for outdoor recreation (camping, caravanning, boating, fishing). These extensions have different end dates in each state and may change, so check your state health department’s current JE page before booking.
If you’re eligible and pregnant or immunocompromised, the vaccine choice matters: you would receive JEspect (inactivated), not Imojev (a live vaccine, which isn’t suitable). Next step: tell your GP your situation so they choose the right vaccine.
What is Japanese encephalitis?
JE is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, which pick it up from waterbirds and pigs. Cases have appeared on mainland Australia since 2022. Most people infected have no symptoms, but when JE does cause illness it can be very serious — around 30% of symptomatic cases are fatal, and about half of survivors have lasting neurological effects. There’s no specific treatment, so prevention — vaccination plus avoiding mosquito bites — is what counts.
💉 The two vaccines
Imojev — live vaccine, single dose
For people aged 9 months and over. Just one dose for the primary course. Because it’s a live vaccine, it can’t be given to pregnant women or people who are immunocompromised. Avoid pregnancy for 28 days after this vaccine. It’s often the preferred and more available option for those who can have it.
JEspect (Ixiaro) — inactivated, two doses
An inactivated (non-live) vaccine for people who can’t have Imojev — including those who are pregnant or immunocompromised, and infants aged 2 to under 9 months. Given as two doses, usually 4 weeks apart (sometimes 7 days apart for adults at high immediate risk). Supply has been more limited, so it’s generally reserved for people who need it.
No blood test is needed before JE vaccination. Some people at ongoing risk may need a booster 1–2 years later — your provider will advise.
💰 What does it cost?
Free for eligible people under the state-funded programs — though your provider may charge a consultation or administration fee for the visit, so it’s worth asking when you book. If you’re not eligible under a state program, JE vaccine can be given privately at full cost (for example, for some travel). Your GP or pharmacist can advise, and may need a few days’ notice to order the vaccine in.
Mosquito-bite prevention still matters
No vaccine is 100% protective, and mosquitoes spread other diseases too. Alongside vaccination: use an effective insect repellent, wear long, loose clothing, and reduce outdoor exposure when mosquitoes are most active (around dawn and dusk).