Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccination centres

Japanese encephalitis is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is spread through mosquito bites and is more common in areas of increased mosquito activity. It is endemic to parts of Asia and the Torres Strait region of Australia; but has recently been detected in several locations on mainland Australia including Queensland.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a vaccine-preventable disease. JEV vaccines are recommended for people at risk of exposure to the virus.

JEV vaccination is recommended and available at no cost*, for the following at risk groups:

  • people who live or work in, or have a planned visit to, Roma, and who are at risk of mosquito bites
  • people who live or work in, or have a planned visit to, Hemmant in Brisbane, and who are at risk of mosquito bites
  • people who live or work in, or have a planned visit to, the local government areas listed below and who are at risk of mosquito bites:
    • Aurukun
    • Balonne
    • Banana
    • Burke
    • Carpentaria
    • Cherbourg
    • Cook
    • Doomadgee
    • Goondiwindi
    • Hope Vale
    • Kowanyama
    • Lockhart River
    • Lockyer Valley
    • Mapoon
    • Mornington
    • Napranum
    • North Burnett
    • Northern Peninsula Area
    • Pormpuraaw
    • Quilpie
    • South Burnett
    • Southern Downs
    • southwest area of Toowoomba Regional Council (surrounding and including Millmerran)
    • Torres Strait
    • Weipa Town
    • Western Downs
    • Wujal Wujal
  • people who work at, live near or have a planned visit to:
    • a piggery, including, but not limited to, farm workers and their families (including children aged 2 months and older) living at the piggery, transport workers, veterinarians, students and others involved in the care of pigs
    • a pork abattoir or pork rendering plant
  • pig doggers and hunters
  • personnel who work directly with mosquitoes through their surveillance (field or laboratory based) or control and management such as:
    • environmental health officers and workers (urban and remote)
    • entomologists
  • diagnostic and research laboratory workers who may be exposed to the virus
  • personnel (professional and volunteer) who may be required to work outdoors in at risk areas.

There is a limited supply of JEV vaccines worldwide.

Eligibility for funded vaccine will continue to be expanded to those at greatest risk of JEV as required.

*Ask your vaccination provider if a consultation fee applies

Travel vaccination** is also recommended, but not funded, if you are travelling to Asia or Papua New Guinea.

Please refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook for further information on disease risk and travel vaccination recommendations.

**Costs will apply. Ask your vaccination provider for cost details.

For more information on JEV visit the Queensland Health Japanese Encephalitis conditions website.

Find your nearest JEV vaccination centre by using the clinic finder map.

Last updated: 28 March 2025