Monkeypox was a hot topic last summer, but it’s not gone yet. New cases continue to occur overseas and in Australia. Two doses of vaccine at least 28 days apart protect you and others from monkeypox. If you’ve seen what having the virus can be like, there’s a strong case to be made for avoiding it. See how you can.
No one wants to imagine the worst that happens on vacation. But that’s what we get insurance for. Thanks to a vaccine, thousands of men across Australia already have insurance against monkeypox (also known as MPOX, MPX or MPXV).
However, community transmission still occurs internationally and local outbreaks are also re-emerging — now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you’re heading abroad. Remember, it takes at least 6 weeks to achieve full protection, so book now before the party starts!
Ready to find your nearest monkeypox vaccination location? Go to our interactive map.
For a simple guide to the symptoms, transmission and prevention of monkeypox, see What is monkeypox and what does it mean for men in Australia?
In this article:
Basic points about smallpox vaccination
- A safe and effective monkeypox vaccine is now available to people who qualify
- The vaccine is provided free of charge
- Maximum protection requires 2 doses of vaccine given at least 28 days apart
- It takes 2 weeks for each dose of the vaccine to reach the highest level of protection in your body
- Vaccinate before travel and party events and as soon as possible in your state or territory
About the smallpox vaccine
A safe, effective and free monkeypox vaccine (JYNNEOS®) is now available to eligible people 18 years of age and older. The vaccine is suitable for people living with HIV and people with weakened immune systems.
Vaccination is shown to be effective in stopping the spread of the virus.
Australia’s vaccination program has already contained the largest outbreaks of local transmission in Melbourne and Sydney. Get vaccinated as soon as possible in your state or territory.
“Monkeypox vaccine is free to eligible people with or without Medicare.”
One dose of vaccine is good at protecting you from monkeypox. Two doses will give you the best protection coverage.
It takes 2 weeks from your first dose for the vaccine to provide good protection. Maximum protection is achieved approximately 2 weeks after your second dose. You must wait at least 28 days before receiving your second dose.
The vaccine is most effective when you get it before you come into contact with monkeypox. However, if you are in close contact with someone with monkeypox, act quickly — vaccination within 4 days provides the best chance of avoiding symptoms. Vaccination between 4 and 14 days after exposure can help reduce the severity of symptoms.
As the party season approaches, it is best to get vaccinated (with two doses) well in advance and as soon as possible. See below for information on eligibility criteria in your state or territory.
Who can get the smallpox vaccine?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI) provides national clinical guidance on monkeypox vaccination. Vaccination 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 to travel to a country with an outbreak of monkey pox (vaccination recommended 4-6 weeks before departure)
- Anyone who has had close contact with someone with monkeypox in the past 14 days
- Sex workers, especially those who work with gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men
- Anyone with a weakened immune system
For anyone who received smallpox vaccine more than ten years ago, a booster dose of smallpox vaccine is recommended.
States and territories are responsible for distributing the vaccine to local communities. Eligibility criteria may vary between jurisdictions. Click on your state or territory to learn more: PRETEND | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
For more on monkeypox vaccines, visit the Australian Government Department of Health Website.
Where can I get the monkeypox vaccine?
Find your nearest monkeypox vaccination location using our interactive map.
Our map also shows nearby HIV and STD testing services, rapid HIV testing services, and peer-to-peer testing services run by other gay and bisexual men. If it’s been more than three months since your last check-up, book a sexual health check-up while you’re getting your monkeypox vaccine.
“One dose of vaccine is good at protecting you from monkeypox. Two doses will give you the best coverage.”
Find local information about getting the monkeypox vaccine from LGBTI health organizations and government websites in your state or territory:
Register online for smallpox vaccination
Some jurisdictions have an electronic registry for monkeypox vaccination. Express your interest to:
How much does the smallpox vaccine cost?
The monkeypox vaccine is free to eligible people with or without Medicare. If you have Medicare, bring your Medicare card to your appointment.
Some monkeypox vaccination sites may charge a fee for your appointment — check with the service before you attend.
Are there any side effects of monkeypox vaccination?
As with most vaccinations, you may experience some redness, swelling or itching at the injection site. If you do experience them, they are usually 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 are concerned.
Your vaccination specialist will provide you with a vaccine consent form that contains important patient information. This is also available online at the Australian Government Department of Health Website.
I have had 1 dose of monkey pox vaccine. Do I need a 2nd dose?
If you’ve only had one dose of monkeypox vaccine, getting a second dose now will give you the best possible protection.
If your first dose was given by intradermal injection, you can now receive your second dose as a subcutaneous injection. See below for more on how to give the vaccine.
Is there more than one monkeypox vaccine?
Two vaccines have been approved for use in Australia against monkeypox: JYNNEOS® and ACAM2000™. JYNNEOS® is preferred because it is a more modern vaccine that is suitable for most people and is easier to administer. It is highly unlikely that you will be offered ACAM2000™ in Australia.
“Don’t delay — get your smallpox shot today.”
JYNNEOS® vaccine is safe for people living with HIV. ACAM2000™ vaccine is not suitable for people living with HIV.
If you are living with HIV
People living with HIV and using effective HIV treatment are no more at risk from monkeypox than people who are HIV negative. However, people living with HIV who are not receiving effective HIV treatment and have weakened immune systems may experience more severe or prolonged symptoms of monkeypox.
Although there is limited evidence of monkeypox 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 organization if you have any concerns.
How is the monkeypox vaccine made?
There are two approved routes of administration of the JYNNEOS® vaccine. Both provide it same level of protection against monkeypox:
- Intradermal injection delivers the vaccine into the outer layers of the skin
- Subcutaneous injection delivers the vaccine under or under all layers of the skin
Both injection methods are suitable for most people. However, the intradermal injection method is not recommended for people with a weakened immune system, people with a history of keloid scars, or people seeking vaccination after close contact with a person with monkeypox.
You can get both doses with the same injection method or with different ones. For example, if you receive one dose of vaccine by intradermal injection, you can receive your second dose by subcutaneous injection.
TraX is a national study to monitor community responses to the monkeypox outbreak. Participants are asked to complete a short 1-minute survey about monkeypox vaccine, testing, and sexual behaviors.
Participation is voluntary and will help shape the public health response to prevent the spread of monkeypox. For each survey you complete, you’ll be entered into a weekly drawing to win one of 15 e-gift cards valued at $50 each.
For more information and to take part, visit TraX Study website.
