First Aid News

Protecting against mosquito-borne diseases 

Some areas in regional northern Victoria are experiencing a longer mosquito season this year due to recent flooding. While the overall risk is currently low, some mosquitoes may be carrying diseases that make people sick.  

The best protection against mosquito-borne illness is to avoid mosquito bites. The free Japanese encephalitis vaccine is also available for more Victorians. 

Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines  

Japanese encephalitis virus is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. It can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain. 

The free Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available for: 

• people aged 2 months or older who live or work in eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria  
• until Friday 31 July 2026, people who plan to visit high-risk areas in Victoria or interstate for outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning or boating.  

For more information: 

• refer to the Department of Health’s Japanese encephalitis webpage for a list of high-risk areas 
• speak to your GP or immunisation provider to check if your family is eligible for a free vaccine ahead of any planned travel during the coming months. 

How to help prevent mosquito bites 

To help protect against mosquito bites, families can:  

• cover up as much as possible with long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing   
• apply insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on exposed skin when outdoors  
• limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are active 
• clean up and remove containers and items around the home that may hold water where mosquitoes may breed.

Families with any health concerns should see their doctor or phone Nurse-on-Call: 1300 606 024 (available 24 hours). 

Find out more 

For more information on protecting against mosquito-borne diseases, families can refer to the following Better Health Channel pages: 

• Mosquitoes can carry diseases 
• Protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease, including a handy checklist to help reduce mosquito breeding sites at home and resources translated into other languages 
• Japanese encephalitis. 

SMOKING & VAPING

Dear Parents/Carers,

Just a reminder about smoking laws in Victoria, particularly in relation to schools.

• In Victoria, a person must not smoke or vape on school premises or within 4 metres of any pedestrian access point to school premises.
• Smoking and vaping are not permitted during school events and excursions held off school premises.
• It is illegal to smoke or vape in a motor vehicle if a person under 18 years is also present in the motor vehicle.

Where to get help 

Support and resources are available to help you talk to your child about smoking and vaping 

Quit Victoria Offers resources, information and support for people to quit smoking and vaping as well as factsheets for parents and children. www.quit.org.au/articles/teenvaping

Phone 13 78 48 or go to www.quit.org.au

The Royal Children’s Hospital

The e-cigarettes and teens factsheet has information on how to talk to teens about the health risks of using e-cigarettes and a podcast episode on vaping created by paediatricians. www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/E-cigarettes_and_teens

Better Health Channel 

Information on the health effects of smoking, strategies for quitting, statistics and Victoria’s laws on smoking, the dangers of e-cigarettes, liquid used in e-cigarettes and the dangers of nicotine poisoning. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/healthyliving/smoking-and-tobacco

Your family doctor 

Your family doctor is a good place to start for further information and advice regarding smoking and vaping and your child.