Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) was a hot minute in 2022 — and it’s back again. New cases are being reported around Australia. Two doses of vaccine at least 28 days apart offer the best protection against mpox. If you’ve seen what having the virus can be like, there’s a strong case for avoiding it. Here’s how.
Nobody wants to imagine the worst happening on holiday. But that’s what we get insurance for. Thanks to 2 doses of vaccine, thousands of guys across Australia already have the best insurance against getting mpox and avoiding severe symptoms.
However, community transmission is still happening in Australia — now’s the time to vaccinate, especially if you’re travelling interstate or overseas. Reaching full protection takes at least 6 weeks, so vaccinate now before your party starts!
Ready to find your nearest mpox vaccination location? Head over to our interactive map.
For a simple guide to mpox symptoms, transmission and prevention, check out What is monkeypox, and what does it mean for guys in Australia?
In this article:
Mpox (monkeypox) vaccination key points
- A safe and effective mpox vaccine is available now to eligible people
- The vaccine is provided free of charge — you don’t need Medicare
- Maximum protection requires 2 doses of vaccine given at least 28 days apart
- It takes 2 weeks for each dose of vaccine to reach the highest level of protection in your body
- Vaccinate ahead of travel and party events and as soon as possible
About the mpox vaccine
A safe, effective and free mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS®) is now available to eligible people aged 18 years and over. The vaccine is suitable for people living with HIV and those with weakened immune systems.
Vaccinating is shown to be effective at stopping the virus from spreading and reducing the likelihood of experiencing severe symptoms.
Australia’s vaccination program has already curbed the largest outbreaks of local transmissions. Vaccinate as soon as you can in your state or territory.
“Mpox vaccines are free to all eligible people — no Medicare required.”
One dose of vaccine is good at protecting you from monkeypox in the short term. It takes 2 weeks for the first dose of vaccine to provide good protection. You need to wait 28 days (4 weeks) after your first dose before receiving your second dose. Maximum protection occurs around 2 weeks after your second dose.
Two doses of vaccine provide protection for some years. There is currently no recommendation to have any more than 2 doses of mpox vaccine.
If you received your first dose of vaccine more than 12 months ago, you can still receive your second dose now. You do not need to restart the vaccination process.
The vaccine is most effective when you get it before exposure to mpox. But if you’re a close contact of someone with mpox, act fast — vaccinating within 4 days provides your best chance to avoid symptoms. Vaccinating between 4 and 14 days after exposure may help lessen the severity of any symptoms.
Who can get the mpox vaccine?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) provides national clinical guidance on vaccination against mpox. Vaccinating is recommended for:
- All cisgender and transgender gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, particularly:
- Gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men planning travel to a country with an mpox outbreak (vaccination is recommended 4-6 weeks before departure)
- Anyone who has been a close contact of someone with mpox in the past 14 days
- Sex workers, particularly those who work with gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men
- Anyone with a weakened immune system
For anyone who has received a smallpox vaccine more than ten years ago, one booster dose of mpox vaccine is recommended.
States and territories are responsible for rolling out the vaccine to local communities. Eligibility criteria may vary between jurisdictions. Click on your state or territory to find out more: ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
For more about mpox vaccines, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.
Where can I get the mpox vaccine?
Find your nearest mpox vaccination location using our interactive map.
Our map also shows nearby HIV and STI testing services, rapid HIV testing services, and peer-run testing services operated by other gay and bi+ guys. If it’s been more than three months since you last tested, book in for a sexual health check-up while you’re getting your mpox shot.
“Two doses of vaccine provide protection for some years.”
Find local information about getting a mpox vaccine from LGBTQ health organisations and government websites in your state or territory:
How much does the mpox vaccine cost?
Mpox vaccines are free to all eligible people — no Medicare required. If you do have Medicare, bring your Medicare card to your appointment.
Some mpox vaccination locations may charge an appointment fee — check with the service before attending.
Are there mpox vaccination side effects?
As with most vaccinations, there’s a chance you might experience some redness, swelling or itching at the injection site. If you do experience these, they’re typically mild, easily tolerated and don’t last long. Some people also report short-lived muscle aches, headache or fatigue after vaccination. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned.
Your vaccination specialist will provide you with a vaccine consent form containing important patient information. This is also available online at the Australian Government Department of Health website.
I’ve had 1 dose of mpox vaccine. Do I need a 2nd dose?
One dose of mpox vaccine provides some protecting in the short term. If you’ve only had one dose, getting a second dose now will provide you with the best possible protection. It significantly reduces your chances of getting mpox and reduces the severity of any symptoms.
If your first dose was administered by intradermal injection (on your forearm), you can now receive your second dose as a subcutaneous injection (at the top of your arm). See below for more on how the vaccine is given.
If you are living with HIV
People living with HIV who use effective HIV treatment are at no greater risk of mpox than HIV-negative people. However, people living with HIV who are not on effective HIV treatment and have weakened immune systems may experience more severe or prolonged mpox symptoms.
Although there is limited evidence on mpox in HIV-positive people, people living with HIV are advised to follow the same advice as the general population. Contact your HIV treatment specialist or local HIV organisation if you have any concerns.
How is the mpox vaccine given?
There are two approved ways to administer the JYNNEOS® vaccine. Both provide the same level of protection against mpox:
- Intradermal injection delivers the vaccine into the outer layers of the skin
- Subcutaneous injection delivers the vaccine beneath, or under, all the layers of the skin
Both injection methods are suitable for most people. However, the intradermal injection method is not recommended for people with weakened immune systems, people with a history of keloid scarring, or those seeking vaccination after being a close contact of someone with mpox.
You can receive both doses by the same injection method or different ones. For example, if you received one dose of vaccine by intradermal injection, you can receive your second dose by subcutaneous injection.