Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) vaccination information by state and territory

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Update – November 2024

  • On 14 August 2024, mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • As of 30 October, there have been over 1000 notified cases of mpox in unceded Australia in 2024 (compared to 26 in 2023). 
  • Mpox infection rates are rapidly growing, increasing over 500% since June. 
  • Most cases have been in New South Wales and Victoria but are also rising in Queensland and other states and territories. 
  • While most people with mpox will get better without treatment, hospitalisations are also increasing.
  • All of these new cases were likely acquired in unceded Australia, and most cases were unvaccinated.  
  • Vaccination is free for priority groups, including sex workers and their sexual partners (no Medicare required).

Vaccination can significantly reduce the chance of mpox infection and decrease the severity of symptoms if you become infected. Mpox vaccination is recommended for priority groups, including sex workers and their sexual partners. For more information and to find the closest vaccination clinic in your area, contact your local sex worker organisation. You can also speak to your GP or local sexual health clinic for specific vaccination information. 

About the vaccine

  • The best time to receive the vaccine is before you are potentially exposed to mpox.
  • Most people in unceded Australia will receive the JYNNEOS® vaccine.
  • The vaccine is most effective two weeks after the second dose and provides 80% protection against mpox. 
  • It is given in 2 doses, at least 28 days apart, for people 16 years and over. 
  • There is still a risk of mpox infection, but if you are vaccinated, it may mean you only experience mild symptoms.
  • For most people, the first dose will give considerable protection after roughly two weeks. However, two doses are required for the best possible protection.
  • The second dose does not need to be administered immediately after 28 days. Waiting longer than 28 days to receive the second dose does not compromise the level of protection from the first dose.
  • Anyone in a priority group who is planning to travel to a country experiencing a significant outbreak should be vaccinated 4-6 weeks before departure for maximum protection.
  • There is no current recommendation for booster doses, even if you are exposed to mpox. 
  • People who have received smallpox vaccines can still catch mpox.

There is still a risk of infection following vaccination, and it is still important to take other steps to reduce the chance of catching or spreading mpox.

Post-exposure vaccination

Post-exposure prevention (sometimes called Post-exposure prophylaxis or “PEP”) is any preventive medical treatment started after possible exposure to an infectious condition to reduce the risk of getting sick. The term PEP is often used to refer to the use of HIV medication to prevent transmission, but post-exposure prevention can also be used to prevent other conditions such as rabies, hepatitis A and B, tetanus and mpox.

Post-exposure preventive vaccination is recommended for anyone considered a high-risk mpox contact within the past 14 days. If you are exposed to mpox, getting vaccinated within 4 days can give you a high chance of avoiding the disease. Vaccination between 4 to 14 days is likely to lessen the severity of the disease.

Cost

The mpox vaccine is free for eligible people, with or without Medicare. Some immunisation providers may charge a consultation fee, so check costs when booking an appointment.

Side effects

Side effects of the mpox vaccine are common but usually mild and go away quickly. Most people have redness, swelling and pain in the spot where they received the injection. Tiredness, headache and muscle pain can also occur after vaccination. If you are worried about any potential side effects of vaccines, talk to your immunisation provider, local sexual health clinic or GP.

Do I need a booster dose?

There is no current recommendation for booster doses, even if you are exposed to mpox.

Vaccination information by state and territory

States and territories are responsible for administering the mpox (formerly monkeypox) vaccine within their jurisdiction, including how and where it will be available and who will be prioritised to be vaccinated. Local risk factors, such as local outbreaks and vaccine supply, will inform these decisions.

The information below, sourced from each state and territory’s health departments, serves as a guide to mpox (formerly monkeypox) vaccination across Australia.

NEW SOUTH WALES

VICTORIA

QUEENSLAND

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

NORTHERN TERRITORY

TASMANIA

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