More at-risk groups have been added, while the government warns of breakthrough cases post-vaccination.
Victoria has widened eligibility for mpox vaccination after recording its 24th case since 18 April.
Twenty-one of these cases have been locally acquired.
The Jynneos vaccine, which is given in two doses 4 weeks apart, is now available free to anyone meeting the following criteria:
Post-exposure preventative vaccination
- High-risk contacts of mpox cases
- Attendees of sex-on-premises venues and public or private events in areas of local transmission
Preferably administer within four days of exposure.
Primary preventative vaccination
- 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
Healthcare workers in primary care, sexual health clinics and hospitals should be considered for vaccination based on local risk assessments.
Providers can order mpox vaccine through Onelink.
Clinicians are recommended to test patients with compatible symptoms, such as proctitis or genital/anal lesions, particularly men who have sex with men and those with recent international travel history.
Case reports of atypical and attenuated presentations in vaccinated and partially vaccinated people are increasing, according to the Victorian Department of Health.
Clinicians must notify suspected and confirmed cases urgently to the department on 1300 651 160, and are encouraged to record mpox vaccinations to the AIR.
