Mpox Overview
What
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease. Mpox is usually self-limiting, but it can cause severe illness, particularly in people who are immunocompromised, children, and pregnant women.
Who
Primary preventive vaccination (PPV) against mpox is recommended for groups at risk of exposure. This includes:
sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)sex workers, particularly those whose clients are at risk of mpox exposurepeople living with HIV, if at risk of mpox exposure laboratory personnel working with orthopoxviruses
sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)sex workers, particularly those whose clients are at risk of mpox exposurepeople living with HIV, if at risk of mpox exposure laboratory personnel working with orthopoxviruses
How
Mpox vaccination is recommended for both PPV and PEPV against mpox. due to its favourable safety profile and comparative ease of administration. The recommended schedule is 2 doses, with a minimum interval of 4 weeks between doses.
Mpox UPDATE
There have now been 24 confirmed cases of mpox in Victoria since 18 April 2024. Twenty-one of these cases were locally acquired.
Mpox continues to spread in many countries. In Victoria, there is an ongoing risk of local transmission and transmission linked to international travel remains.
People with symptoms of mpox should seek medical care and testing.
Vaccination reduces the risk of transmission and disease severity. Two doses of mpox vaccine are required for optimal protection. If you have not had a second dose, get it now.
Eligibility criteria for free mpox vaccination have been updated. Primary prevention vaccination (PPV) criteria have now been expanded to include additional at-risk groups.
Free mpox vaccine is available for eligible people.
Cases of mpox can occur in fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals, and clinicians should be alert to the possibility of atypical or attenuated presentations.
Mpox continues to spread in many countries. In Victoria, there is an ongoing risk of local transmission and transmission linked to international travel remains.
People with symptoms of mpox should seek medical care and testing.
Vaccination reduces the risk of transmission and disease severity. Two doses of mpox vaccine are required for optimal protection. If you have not had a second dose, get it now.
Eligibility criteria for free mpox vaccination have been updated. Primary prevention vaccination (PPV) criteria have now been expanded to include additional at-risk groups.
Free mpox vaccine is available for eligible people.
Cases of mpox can occur in fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals, and clinicians should be alert to the possibility of atypical or attenuated presentations.