What it is, and why it matters
Mpox can cause a painful rash or lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes and tiredness. It spreads through close contact, including sexual contact, and can also spread through contaminated materials or other relevant exposures.
Anyone with a possible exposure or symptoms should seek clinical advice. Serious illness is more likely in some people, including those with significant immune suppression. Vaccination eligibility is assessed by exposure risk.
How mpox vaccination works
Mpox vaccination is recommended for people at risk and may be offered after exposure through public health advice. Eligibility should be discussed without assumptions about identity or behaviour.
Tell the provider about previous smallpox or mpox vaccination, immune conditions and possible exposure. Ask the pharmacy to confirm current stock, authorisation and service availability before attending.
Individual assessment. This general information does not determine which vaccination is suitable for you. Your clinician discusses the available options, benefits, risks, timing and funding before you decide.
Funding and eligibility for mpox vaccination
Anchored to the National Immunisation Program schedule and ATAGI advice. Your immuniser confirms your eligibility at the pre-vaccination consultation.
People meeting Victorian exposure-risk criteria
The vaccine is funded without a Medicare requirement. Criteria include sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, at-risk transgender or gender diverse people, sex workers, relevant partners and other listed groups.
People with occupational, travel or other exposure risk
Additional criteria cover specified laboratory, healthcare, humanitarian and travel risks. Anyone identifying themselves as at risk should be offered an eligibility assessment.
Close contacts of a person with mpox
Contact a clinician or the local public health unit promptly for post-exposure advice. Do not wait for a routine booking.
Doses and timing
Schedules below reflect typical recommendations. Your immuniser will confirm exactly what applies to you, including any catch-up doses and co-administration with other vaccines.
- The current Victorian course is two doses, 28 days apart. Tell the clinician about all earlier smallpox or mpox doses.
- Protection is not immediate. Continue precautions after vaccination, including during the period before the course has taken effect.
- After a relevant exposure, seek advice as soon as possible, ideally within four days. Public health staff will assess timing and suitability.
- Routine boosters are not currently recommended after a completed two-dose course.
What to expect
- Injection-site discomfort, redness, swelling or itching, tiredness, headache or fever can occur.
- A severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or relevant component requires specialist assessment. Stay for the recommended observation period, usually at least 15 minutes.
Precautions
- Tell the immuniser about previous serious reactions, medicines, immune conditions, pregnancy and any current illness before vaccination.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding and immune conditions need individual assessment. Symptoms or a possible exposure require clinical advice even after vaccination.
Benefits, limitations and individual advice
Vaccination reduces the risk of mpox and severe illness but does not prevent every infection. Follow current public health advice about symptoms, close contact and reducing exposure.
FAQs about mpox vaccination
Do I need Medicare?
A Medicare card is not required for the Victorian funded vaccine. Ask the provider to confirm service availability and any consultation arrangements before attending.
Does living with HIV automatically establish eligibility?
The Victorian criteria refer to people living with HIV who are at risk of mpox exposure and their partners. Discuss your circumstances confidentially with the provider.
What if I have already been exposed?
Seek clinical or public health advice promptly. Post-exposure vaccination is time-sensitive and should not wait for a routine appointment.
Primary references
Deeper reading on mpox
Book your mpox vaccination
Contact the pharmacy to check service availability, suitability and booking options.