The first monkeypox vaccines will today arrive in Victoria, with the vaccinations of eligible people set to begin this week.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today announced Victoria had received an initial 3,500 doses of the third-generation Jynneos vaccine, with more doses set to arrive later this year.
The first doses will be restricted to those who meet the criteria set by public health experts and is aligned with criteria in New South Wales. Vaccinations will be delivered in partnership with sexual health clinics and local public health units.
Initially vaccinations will be largely available from Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Thorne Harbour Health, Northside Clinic, Collins Street Medical Centre and Prahran Market Clinic while those in regional Victoria will be able to access vaccination via a regional local public health unit.
Monkeypox can spread from person-to-person through skin-to-skin contact, contact with infected surfaces or items and respiratory droplets. Transmission requires prolonged and often intimate contact with an infected individual.
Monkeypox often starts with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headaches and muscle aches and pains. It causes a distinctive blistering rash and swollen lymph nodes.
Anyone who develops symptoms should seek medical care, wear a mask and call ahead to make sure they can isolate away from others.
While the current outbreak has disproportionately impacted men who have sex with men, monkeypox can affect anyone who comes into prolonged contact with someone with monkeypox.
Victoria has recorded 22 cases of monkeypox, with seven currently active cases. While most of these cases have presented in returned international travellers there have been two locally acquired cases in Australia, including one in Victoria.
The Department of Health is actively monitoring cases and contacts to prevent further spread of monkeypox in the community.
For more information and advice regarding monkeypox and vaccination visit health.vic.gov.auExternal Link.
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"This vaccine is highly effective and we will work with health services and clinicians to roll it out to Victorians who are most at risk."
"Initial eligibility for vaccination is limited to priority at risk groups however with more vaccines set to arrive later this year, we will work with the Commonwealth to ensure all Victorians who need a vaccination get one."
"Anyone who develops symptoms should immediately seek medical care, wear a mask and call ahead to make sure they can be isolated away from others."
