Vaccination and testing services

Please see your doctor or pharmacist for a JEV vaccine.

You must meet the eligibility criteria for this vaccination, which has recently been updated – to find out more, go to https://www.awh.org.au/services-departments/ovens-murray-public-health-unit/japanese-encephalitis-virus-jev.

* Please note, Alpine Shire residents are not eligible for JEV vaccination as per the criteria set by the Department of Health - however, if you regularly work or live in an eligible shire, and meet all the other necessary criteria as outlined below, you can get the vaccine. Read the information carefully before booking.

Ovens and Murray Public Health Unit no longer does vaccinations.

 Albury Sexual Health is still providing Mpox and people can book online https://nswhealthvam.health.nsw.gov.au/mpxv

We provide the Jynneos vaccine. 

We encourage you to read more and fill out the consent form at https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/08/monkeypox-mpx-consent-form-for-jynneos-vaccination.pdf

Getting vaccinated protects you from getting seriously ill with COVID-19. 

Immunity wanes over time so get your booster dose now to get added protection ahead of winter. 

A bivalent vaccine targeting the omicron variant is available for everyone aged 18 and above.

Even if you had COVID-19, you should still get vaccinated. Vaccination remains the best way to  protect yourself and your loved ones against the virus.

Who can get vaccinated

Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends the 2023 booster dose for people at higher risk of severe illness, including:

• Everyone aged 65 and above
• Everyone aged 18 and above who are at risk.

The 2023 booster dose is available for: 

• Everyone aged 18 and above
• At risk children aged between 5 and 17 years.

ATAGI recommends 2 doses as a primary course for: 

• Everyone aged 5 years and above
• At risk children aged between 6 months and 5 years.

At risk adults and children include those with a disability, severely compromised immune system and complex or multiple health conditions, which increase their risk of severe COVID-19.

You may need additional doses based on your medical condition. Please speak to your GP for more information. 

Where to get a vaccination 

You can get a free third or fourth dose from your local GP or pharmacist – find one near you using the Vaccine Clinic Finder. 

After your vaccination 

You might have side effects such as pain where you had the needle, tiredness, muscle aches, fever or chill and joint pain. Side effects are normal and a sign that the vaccine is working. They are usually mild and go away after a day or two.

Serious side effects are very rare. Contact your doctor if you are worried, or if any side effects have not gone away after a few days.

IMPORTANT:

Ovens Murray Public Health Unit no longer does COVID-19 vaccinations. 

Ovens Murray Public Health Unit no longer does PCR tests or distributes Rapid Antigen Tests (RA Tests).

PCR tests

• For PCR tests, please see your GP.
• Members of the Aboriginal community can access rapid COVID-19 PCR testing at Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service.

RA Tests

• RA tests are available through local councils.
• Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit while people with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.
• To find out if your local council is participating and check the collection sites, go to coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-a-covid-19-test
• Pharmacies also stock RA Tests (fees apply).