Mpox (Monkeypox) Testing and Vaccination
Mpox (formally known as Monkeypox) continues to spread in many countries. In Victoria, the risk of local transmission and transmission linked to international travel remains.
Mpox can be spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact, contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, and respiratory droplets.
People with symptoms of mpox should seek medical care and testing, which are strictly confidential. Symptoms can include rash, fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymphnodes, sore throat and exhaustion.
Mpox vaccination is available for eligible people through certain sexual health clinics, hospitals and GPs. Check your eligibility here.
Gippsland Region Public Health Unit is continuing to work with health partners in Gippsland to support vaccination and testing for people at high-risk of contracting mpox.
Mpox testing and vaccination providers in Gippsland can be found here.
What do I need to get vaccinated?
You will need a current Medicare card or IHI number, and the vaccine doses will be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register. If you require further information about the IHI (Individual Healthcare Identifier) number, please click here.
Who is eligible for vaccination?
In Victoria, the mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS®) is available free-of-charge for eligible people who meet any of the following criteria:
- 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.
- Vaccination may also be considered for healthcare workers at risk of exposure to patients with mpox, based on local risk assessments.
Services outside of Gippsland can be found here.
Find out more about mpox
Information about the JYNNEOS vaccine for mpox
