Mpox Vaccination

Mpox (formerly referred to as Monkeypox) is a rare viral illness that is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus that causes smallpox. There are two vaccines for Mpox approved for use in Australia: JYNNEOS® and ACAM2000™. While JYNNEOS® is the preferred vaccine due to its safety profile and as it is easier to administer, if it is not suitable or available, ACAM2000™ may be considered for healthy, non-pregnant adults. Vaccination involves two doses administered 28 day apart. It will take approximately 14 days for the vaccine to take effect.

More information on both vaccines is available from the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Identifying Mpox

Mpox can be spread from person-to-person through:

  • skin-to-skin contact
  • contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
  • respiratory droplets

Clinicians should test for Mpox in all patients presenting symptoms compatible to the following:

  • a rash
  • fever
  • chills
  • muscle aches
  • backache
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • sore through
  • exhaustion
  • possible proctitis or urethritis

Clinicians are required to notify the Department of Health of identified Mpox cases.

Who can access the Mpox vaccines

Vaccination is available free of charge of charge to people meeting the Department of Health eligibility criteria that includes post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for high-risk close contacts of monkeypox cases, preferably within four days and pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the following people:

  • Gay, bisexual, and other men, non-binary people assigned male at birth, or trans people who have sex with men (including cis and trans men) at increased risk of monkeypox infection. Proxy markers for increased risk of monkeypox infection may include:
    • Those living with HIV.
    • A recent history of multiple sexual partners, participating in group sex, or attending sex on premises venues.
    • Other proxy markers, such as recent sexually transmitted infection or those being advised to take HIV PrEP due to number of sexual partners.
    • Recommendation from other service providers, such as sexual health clinics.
  • Sex workers, particularly those whose clients are in high-risk categories listed above
  • Anyone in the above high-risk categories who is planning travel to a country experiencing a significant outbreak, with vaccination recommended four to six weeks prior to departure
  • Anyone at greater risk of a poor clinical outcome from monkeypox infection, such as individuals with immunocompromise.
  • Immunisation providers who are administering the ACAM2000™ smallpox vaccine.
  • Laboratory workers who analyse specimens from monkeypox cases
  • Sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men, non-binary people assigned male at birth, or trans people who have sex with men (including cis and trans men) who are homeless or have significant drug use or psychiatric illness.

How to access the vaccines in western Victoria

Mpox vaccines have been allocated to the Barwon South West and Grampians public health units in western Victoria.

Barwon South West Public Health Unit

Clinics are located in Warrnambool, Hamilton, Portland and Geelong.

To book go to www.bswphu.org.au

Grampians Public Health Unit

Please phone the following clinics directly to make an appointment

  •  Springs Medical, Daylesford – (03) 5348 2227
  • Lister House, Horsham – 0458 969 778
  • UFS Medical, Doveton Street, Ballarat – (03) 5364 9100
  • Ballarat Community Health, Lucas – (03) 5338 4500
  • East Grampians Health Service, Ararat – (03) 5352 9363

See also Mpox | Grampians Health Ballarat

Other resources

Last modified: 24 August, 2023

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