Free walk-in clinics (no booking required) are scheduled for Thursday, September 29; Tuesday, October 25; and Tuesday, November 8.
There will be three separate immunisation options available — COVID-19, Influenza and Japanese Encephalitis virus.
In March this year Australia’s Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett, declared the Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) situation a communicable disease incident of national significance.
She determined a national approach was required in relation to coordination of health policy, interventions and public messaging.
The Rochester clinics will run from 12.30pm to 4.30pm at Rochester and Elmore District Health Service — access via the Emergency Care entrance, Pascoe St, Rochester.
Staff from the LMPHU will be on hand to answer questions and provide information, particularly about JEV.
Campaspe Shire residents are at a heightened risk of contracting the mosquito-borne virus because of the area’s agricultural activities and proximity to significant rivers.
Mosquito activity is expected to increase in coming weeks due to recent heavy rainfalls in the region.
A national working group of communicable disease, vaccine and arbovirus experts has been established.
The working group will support Australia’s response to the JEV situation. This will include mosquito surveillance and control measures, identification of those at direct risk, and for the rollout of vaccines.
Public health communications regarding mosquito protection will target affected communities.
The Australian Government’s health and agriculture departments are working very closely with their state government counterparts to ensure a swift and coordinated response.
Those interested in helping the LMPHU to better understand the risk of Japanese Encephalitis are also encouraged to ask about a serosurvey (requiring a small blood sample and questionnaire) which is currently under way.
For all inquiries regarding the Rochester Vaccination Clinics, contact the LMPHU on 1800 959 400.
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