Researchers are calling for participants from the Hilltops Shire to take part in a new research study investigating the effectiveness of intradermal administration of the existing TGA-approved Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine Imojev® compared with subcutaneous administration.

Healthy, non-pregnant individuals aged five years and older who live in, work in, or frequently visit the Hilltops Local Government Area and do not currently meet NSW Health JE vaccine eligibility criteria are invited to participate in the study.

A study clinic is planned for the Hilltops Shire and surrounds in late-April 2023.

The Imojev® vaccine being administered in the study has been used extensively across the world for more than a decade and is proven to be both safe and effective. Enrolled individuals will be randomised in equal numbers to receive the JEV vaccine Imojev® either by intradermal injection – administered into the space between the two outer layers (epidermis and dermis) of the skin – or by subcutaneous injection – administered in the fatty tissue layer (subcutaneous layer) located between the skin and the muscle.

Participants will be actively followed up over 12 months to collect data on the immune response and safety profile of each vaccine delivery method. Findings will be published and will inform future vaccination policies and strategies in Australia.

Book your Japanese encephalitis vaccine study appointment

If you are interested in participating, please read the participant information sheet below and book and appointment by calling 0428 963 193 (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday) or email SCHN-NCIRS-Research@health.nsw.gov.au

Appointments are available at various times from Monday to Friday and there are a limited number of walk-in appointments available each day. Your first appointment will take approximately two hours and all subsequent appointments will be 30 minutes or less.

Adult participant information sheet (.pdf) [493 KB]

Child (aged 5-11 years) participant information sheet (.pdf) [515 KB]

Young person (aged 12-17 years) participant information sheet (.pdf) [685 KB]

Parent/guardian participant information sheet (for participants aged 5-17 years) (.pdf) [506 KB]

If you have questions about the study or would like further information, please email Coordinating Principal Study Investigator, Professor Nick Wood at SCHN-NCIRS-Research@health.nsw.gov.au. 

This study is sponsored by The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and led by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance and Murrumbidgee Local Health District, with funding support from NSW Health.