19/03/2026
Easter Holiday Health Alert 🦟
If you’re planning to visit high‑risk areas in NSW for outdoor recreation over the Easter break, free Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccination may be available to you.
NSW Health has expanded free access to the JE vaccine following recent detection of the virus late in the mosquito season.
Japanese Encephalitis is a rare but serious illness spread by infected mosquitoes. While many people experience only mild symptoms, in some cases it can cause severe neurological illness, including headaches and seizures, and in rare cases permanent neurological impairment or death.
There is no specific treatment, so prevention is key — through insect bite avoidance and vaccination.
If you live or work in a high‑risk local government area, or are planning an outdoor trip, please contact BMP to make an appointment to discuss free vaccination options.
Please note:
- Free vaccines are provided by NSW Health
- Delivery to the surgery can take up to one week
- Plan ahead if you’re travelling over Easter
- This free vaccine is available until 1/6/26
👉 To check which areas are defined as high risk, read our list below or visit:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/jev/Pages/vaccination.aspx
Albury
Armidale
Ballina
Balranald
Bathurst​
Berrigan
Bland
Blayney
Bogan
Bourke
Brewarrina
Broken Hill
Byron
Cabonne
Cootamundra-Gundagai
Cowra
Carrathool
Central Darling
Cobar
​Coolamon
Coonamble​
Dubbo Regional
Edward River
Federation
Forbes
Gilgandra
Glen Innes Severn
Goulburn Mulwaree
Greater Hume
Griffith
Gunnedah
Gwydir
Hay
Hilltops
Inverell
Junee
Kyogle
Lachlan
Leeton
Lismore
Liverpool Plains
Lockhart
Mid-Western
Moree Plains
Murray River
Murrumbidgee
Oberon
Orange
Narrabri
Narrandera
Narromine
Parkes
Richmond Valley
Tamworth
Temora
Tenterfield
Tweed
Unincorporated Far West Area
Upper Hunter
Upper Lachlan
Uralla
Walcha
Wagga Wagga
Walgett
Warren
Warrumbungle
Weddin
Wentworth
Yass Valley