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Last Updated: 11 September 2025
Update – September 2025
- On 14 August 2024, mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- As of 11 September 2025, there has been an increase in mpox cases after no notifications in several months.
- Cases have included men who have sex with men and heterosexual men, men who have had sexual contact with female sex workers, and female sex workers.
- Vaccination is free for priority groups, including sex workers and their sexual partners (no Medicare required).
Visit our mpox vaccination page or contact your local sex worker organisation for more information.
Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MpoxV).
Mpox causes a rash that can appear as bumps that turn into blisters or sores and may burst to form scabs. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion.
Mpox vaccination can significantly reduce the chance of mpox infection and decrease how serious your symptoms get if you develop an infection. Mpox vaccination is recommended for priority groups, including sex workers and their sexual partners.
Visit our mpox page or contact your local sex worker organisation for more information.
About the vaccine
- The best time to receive the vaccine is before you are potentially exposed to mpox.
- Most people in Australia will receive the JYNNEOS® vaccine.
- There is still a risk of mpox infection if you are vaccinated, but you may only experience mild symptoms.
- The vaccine is most effective two weeks after the second dose and provides 80% protection against mpox.
- Vaccination is available for people 16 years and over and is given in 2 doses, at least 28 days apart.
- 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 reduce the level of protection from the first dose.
- 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. Taking other steps to reduce the chance of catching or spreading mpox is still important.
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
The JYNNEOS® vaccine to protect against mpox is free in NSW for eligible groups of people. Two doses are required. A Medicare card is not needed.
Who should get vaccinated?
The following people are eligible to be vaccinated against mpox:
- All sexually active gay and bisexual men (cis and trans).
- Sex workers.
- Sexual partners of the people above.
- People who have been in contact with mpox who have not yet received 2 doses of the JYNNEOS® vaccine (Post-exposure preventative vaccination (PEPV)).
- Healthcare workers at risk of exposure to patients with mpox, especially healthcare workers who will be caring for patients in a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Laboratory personnel working with orthopoxviruses.
Where to get vaccinated
The JYNNEOS® vaccine is available at selected clinics in NSW. People must call to make an appointment.
More Information
SWOP NSW
For further information and updates on vaccine eligibility and accessibility, contact SWOP NSW:
Telephone: (02) 9184 9466
Email: swopconnect@swop.org.au
NSW Health
Mpox fact sheet
Mpox vaccination information
For free help in your language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.
Last Updated: 1 November 2024
VICTORIA
In Victoria, the mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS® vaccine) is available free of charge for eligible people.
Who should get vaccinated?
Eligible people for primary preventative vaccination (PPV) include:
- Sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men.
- Sexually active transgender and gender diverse people, if at risk of mpox exposure.
- Sex workers, particularly those whose clients are at risk of mpox exposure.
- Sexual partners (including anonymous or intimate contacts) of the above groups.
- Sex-on-premises venue staff and attendees.
- People living with HIV, if at risk of mpox exposure, and their partners.
- Laboratory personnel working with orthopoxviruses.
- Vaccination may also be considered for healthcare workers at risk of exposure to patients with mpox, based on local risk assessments. This may include primary care, sexual health clinics, hospital staff and others. The risk of transmission should also be minimised by using infection control measures.
Post-exposure preventative vaccination (PEPV), preferably in 4 days, in accordance with clinical guidance from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) for:
- High-risk contacts of mpox cases
- Attendees of SOPVs and public or private events (particularly where sexual or intimate contact may occur) in areas where local transmission of mpox is occurring.
Mpox vaccination is not currently recommended for travel unless people are eligible for mpox vaccination in Victoria. For the most up-to-date travel information, visit Smartraveller.
Where to get vaccinated
Free mpox vaccine is widely available for eligible people through Sexual Health Clinics, GPs, Aboriginal Health Services, public hospitals, community pharmacies and some local councils.
Find your local mpox immunisation provider
To get the mpox vaccine, people can search for a local mpox immunisation provider in their local government area on the Better Health Channel or contact the following sexual health clinics:
- Thorne Harbour Health
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
- Prahran Market Clinic
- Northside Clinic
- Collins Street Medical Centre
- Sexual Health Victoria.
Alternatively, people can contact their Local Public Health Unit (LPHU) for further information or assistance with locating their local mpox immunisation provider.
Please note that while the vaccine is free, consultation may not be. Speak to the immunisation provider to verify consultation-related fees and vaccine availability.
More Information
Vixen
For further information and updates on vaccine eligibility and access, contact Vixen at info@vixen.org.au or on (03) 9070 9050.
Victorian Department of Health
For enquiries regarding the mpox vaccine, email immunisation@health.vic.gov.au.
Last Updated: 1 November 2024
QUEENSLAND
Who should get vaccinated?
Mpox vaccination is free* (a medicare card is not required) and recommended for the following groups:
- all sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (cis and trans) and their sexual partners (including anonymous or intimate contacts)
- sex workers
- people living with HIV who are at risk of exposure to mpox
- people whose occupations might put them at increased risk, including, but not limited to:
- sex-on-premises venue staff
- laboratory staff who analyse mpox specimens based on a local risk assessment
- healthcare workers at higher risk of exposure to individuals with mpox, including workers in primary care, sexual health clinics, hospital staff and others, based on a local risk assessment. The risk of transmission should also be minimised by using appropriate infection control measures.
* If you are accessing a GP clinic for vaccination, ask your vaccination provider if a consultation fee applies.
Vaccination may be offered to people who have had close contact with someone with mpox to help prevent disease. Vaccination given within 4 days after exposure provides the highest level of protection. However, vaccination may be considered at any time following exposure.
Where to get vaccinated
Find your nearest mpox vaccination centre by using the mpox clinic finder.
More Information
Respect QLD
For further information and updates on vaccine eligibility and access, contact Respect QLD at info@respectqld.org.au or on (07) 3835 1111 (Meanjin/Brisbane), (07) 4051 5009 (Gimuy/Cairns) or (07) 5564 0929 (Kombumerri & Yugambeh Land/Gold Coast).
Queensland Health
Mpox (monkeypox) | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Queensland Positive People – About mpox
Queensland Council for LGBTI Health – MPXV (Monkeypox)
Last Updated: 1 November 2024
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
In WA, the mpox vaccine is funded for specific priority groups. Medicare cards are not needed to receive the mpox vaccine and confidentiality is of priority at all services.
Who should get vaccinated?
The following people are recommended to be vaccinated against mpox:
- all sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (including cis and trans)
- sex workers, particularly those whose clients are at risk of mpox exposure
- people living with HIV, if at risk of mpox exposure
- sexual partners of the people above
- laboratory personnel working with orthopoxviruses
- healthcare workers who are at risk for mpox. For example, working at sexual health clinics and administering vaccinations to individuals requiring post-exposure vaccination.
Post-exposure vaccination
- Contacts of a case are determined by the Public Health Unit.
Mpox vaccination is not currently recommended for travel unless one or more of the above eligibility criteria are met.
Widespread vaccination is not currently recommended due to the very low risk of infection for the general population.
Where to get vaccinated
Contact your local immunisation provider to find out if they provide mpox vaccinations.
Perth metropolitan area
Free mpox vaccine is available for eligible people through participating immunisation providers and sexual health clinics. Some clinics may charge for a consultation – make sure you discuss this with your clinic before your appointment.
This includes but is not limited to, the following clinics below.
- Royal Perth Hospital Sexual Health Clinic phone: 9224 2178
- GP on Beaufort (external site) phone: 9262 8600
- M Clinic (external site) phone: 9227 0734
- Sexual Health Quarters (external site) phone: 9227 6177
- South Terrace Sexual Health Clinic (external site) phone: 9431 2149
- Central City Medical Centre (external site) phone: 9225 1188
- View St Medical (external site) phone: 9227 0170
Regional Western Australia
Free mpox vaccine is available for eligible people through regional Public Health Units or participating immunisation providers.
More information
Magenta
Sex workers in WA can contact Magenta for information on (08) 9328 1387 or email admin@magenta.org.au.
Health WA
- Sexual health helpline on (08) 9227 6178 for information on the mpox vaccine in WA
- Healthy WA Mpox information
- Mpox immunisation FAQ (PDF 240KB)
Last Updated: 1 November 2024
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Mpox vaccinations are now available in South Australia, including at SHINE SA’s Hyde Street clinic.
Who should get vaccinated?
People eligible to receive the vaccine include:
- Post-exposure preventive vaccination (PEPV) for close contacts of mpox cases
- Primary preventive vaccination (PPV) for:
- all sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (including cis and trans men)
- sexual partners of the people above
- sex workers
- laboratory personnel working with orthopoxviruses
- health care workers at risk of exposure to mpox, who will be caring for patients in a Sub-Saharan African country where a mpox outbreak is occurring
Where to get vaccinated
Book a mpox vaccine appointment at the SHINE SA Hyde Street Clinic via Hotdoc here: https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/adelaide-SA-5000/shine-sa-hyde-street-practice/doctors
If the available appointment times don’t suit you, call 08 7099 5320 to check for other appointment times.
Adelaide Sexual Health Centre offers a walk-in service for mpox vaccination on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, though the clinic may reach capacity quickly. Clients can also call 08 7117 2800 to make a mpox vaccination booking on Wednesdays. No fee is required.
Adelaide Sexual Health Centre Opening Hours:
Monday: 9.15am to 4.30pm
Tuesday: 11.15am to 6.30pm
Wednesday: 11.15am to 6.30pm (By appointment only)
Thursday: 1.00pm to 4.30pm
Friday: 9.15am to 4.30pm
You may also access the vaccine via your GP.
More Information
SIN
Sex workers in SA can contact SIN for information on (08) 8351 7626 or email info@sin.org.au.
SA Health
SA Health Mpox Information Page
Other
More information on mpox vaccine availability and how to book an appointment can be found on the SHINE SA and Adelaide Sexual Health Centre websites.
Last Updated: 1 November 2024
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
The vaccine is free for eligible people. You don’t need to have a Medicare card. A consultation or administration fee may apply.
Who should get vaccinated?
People currently eligible to receive the vaccine are:
- sexually active men (cis and trans) who are gay, bisexual or have sex with other men
- sex workers
- partners of the people above
The vaccine can also be used as post-exposure prevention for people who have had a known high-risk exposure. ACT Health will advise on the need for post-exposure vaccination if you have been identified as a contact of someone with mpox infection.
Where to get vaccinated
If the eligibility criteria apply to you, you can book your vaccination at one of the healthcare providers listed below. You do not need a referral from your GP.
Canberra Sexual Health Centre, Interchange Health Co-operative and Ochre Medical Centre Bruce will accept bookings if you don’t have a Medicare card.
Vaccination providers:
Canberra Sexual Health Centre
Building 8 Level 4, Canberra Hospital
Garran ACT 2605
Bookings can be made by phoning 02 5124 2184 between:
9 am to 4:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
12:30 to 4:30 pm on Wednesday
Interchange Health Co-operative
Suite 5, level 1, 210-230 Anketell St (Southpoint Shopping Centre)
Greenway ACT 2900
Bookings can be made by phone on 02 6247 5742 and online at ihco.net.au/book-online
Ochre Medical Centre Bruce
Building 28, University of Canberra
Allawoona St and Ginninderra Dr, Bruce ACT 2617
Bookings can be made by phoning 02 6180 8500.
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only.
Bookings can be made by phoning 02 6284 6222 on weekdays between 9 am to 5 pm.
More Information
SWOP ACT
Sex workers in ACT can contact SWOP ACT for information via email at swop@meridianact.org.au or SMS the SWOP mobile 0427475671.
ACT Health
ACT Health Mpox Information Page
ACT Health Mpox Vaccination Information Page
Last Updated: 1 November 2024
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Mpox vaccines are free in the Northern Territory (NT) for eligible people.
Who should get vaccinated?
People of all ages who are at risk of exposure to mpox are recommended to receive the mpox vaccination. This includes:
- high-risk close contact of a confirmed case
- gay or bisexual man
- man who has sex with men
- trans (binary and non-binary people) who have sex with men
- sex worker
- sistergirl
- any person who perceives themselves to be at increased risk of acquisition (e.g. because they are attending a high-risk event as an advocate/ally)
Where to get vaccinated
For more information or to book, contact Clinic 34:
- 08 8999 2678 – Darwin
- 08 8951 7549 – Alice Springs
- 08 8973 9049 – Katherine
- 08 8987 0357 – Nhulunbuy.
More Information
SWOP NT
Sex workers in NT can contact SWOP NT for information at 0447 022 332 or email SWOPNT@ntahc.org.au.
NT Health
For more information on mpox in the Northern Territory, visit the NT Health mpox page.
Last Updated: 1 November 2024
TASMANIA
The mpox vaccine available in Australia is called JYNNEOS®. It is safe to use for all eligible people, including those who are immunocompromised and people living with HIV.
Who should get vaccinated?
After exposure to mpox
It is recommended that people who have already been exposed to mpox get a vaccination within 4 days of their exposure. Though less than ideal, vaccination can be given up to 14 days after exposure.
Before exposure to mpox
Vaccination is currently available for free in Tasmania and recommended for at-risk eligible persons, including:
- all sexually active gay, bisexual, non-binary people assigned male at birth, trans people, and other men who have sex with men (including with cis and trans men)
- sexual partners of the people above
- sex workers
- vaccination may also be considered for healthcare workers at risk of exposure to patients with mpox, subject to a risk assessment by the Communicable Diseases Prevention Unit (CDPU), including healthcare workers who will be caring for patients in countries affected by outbreaks, such as central and eastern Africa.
Mpox vaccination is recommended for people who are already eligible for mpox vaccination in Tasmania (see above ‘Before exposure to mpox’).
Mpox is not recommended as a routine travel vaccination.
Where to get vaccinated
Free and confidential mpox vaccination appointments are available through sexual health services for eligible people in Tasmania. Call ahead to check whether the mpox vaccine is available.
Alternatively, for more information or to speak to someone about mpox vaccination, call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 (option 4) to speak with the Immunisation Team in CDPU.
You can find your local sexual health service here.
More Information
Sex workers in Tasmania can contact the Lutruwita (Tasmania) Sex Worker Project for information at 0481 264 925 or email tas@scarletalliance.org.au.
Last Updated: 1 November 2024
