Thousands of monkeypox vaccines will be made available in Australia next week – here’s how to find out if you are eligible
- The government is set to announce plans for a monkeypox vaccine rollout
- Vulnerable Australians could be vaccinated against monkeypox from next week
- There are 53 cases of monkeypox reported in Australia and 25,000 globally
Vulnerable Australians could receive a vaccine for monkeypox as soon as next week as the government looks to combat growing case numbers.
There have been 53 cases of monkeypox reported in Australia and 25,000 across the world.
Australia currently has a stockpile of the ACAM2000 monkeypox vaccine, which can be used before or after exposure to the virus.
Health Minister Mark Butler has confirmed that the government has now secured additional doses, which can be used before or after exposure to monkeypox.
‘We’ve secured supplies of new third generation vaccines,’ he said in a statement.

The federal government is set to make an announcement on Thursday about a monkeypox vaccine rollout in Australia (stock image)
Further details about the vaccine rollout are set to be announced later today, but they will likely be administered by the states and territories to those vulnerable to the virus.
ATAGI has recommended vaccination be considered for select groups including men who have sex with men with a high number of sexual contacts, and sex workers.
Monkeypox is transmitted through close physical contact, with the majority of cases being men who have sex with men.
Identifiable symptoms include unusual rashes or lesions appearing on the skin.
People who contract monkeypox are required to isolate until their sores fully clear, which can be up to 21 days.
In May, NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant sent out a warning for gay men in particular to watch out for symptoms – which include unusual rashes – and seek immediate help if worried.

In May, NSW’s chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant sent out a warning for gay men in particular to watch out for the symptoms and seek immediate help if worried
‘We know it’s transmitted by that close skin to skin contact – you can be infectious and that close droplet contact in a very sort of close prolonged way,’ Dr Chant said.
‘We’re particularly urging men who are gay or bisexual, or men who have sex with men, to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and to contact by phone a sexual health clinic or GP without delay if they have any concerns.’

The rare tropical disease is transmitted through close physical contact. It has been predominant amongst men who have sex with men (stock image)

Nurses and doctors are being advised to stay ‘alert’ to patients who present with a new rash or scabby lesions (like above)