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Monkeypox vaccination, who needs it?

THE Gippsland Region Public Health Unit, which has been responsible for the region’s response to COVID-19, is now rolling out the Monkeypox Jynneos vaccine. It will be available from the Chitty Chitty Jab Jab bus for two weeks starting Tuesday...

by Michael Giles

Published November 25, 2022

Monkeypox vaccination, who needs it? — A mobile health service to a town near you will be offering the Monkeypox vaccine, but do you need it?

THE Gippsland Region Public Health Unit, which has been responsible for the region’s response to COVID-19, is now rolling out the Monkeypox Jynneos vaccine.

It will be available from the Chitty Chitty Jab Jab bus for two weeks starting Tuesday, November 29.

But why they are rolling it out is not clear.

According to the Victorian Health Department, as at November 7, 2022, there had been 69 cases of monkeypox (MPX) recorded in Victoria, but here are currently no active cases.

Active cases are those who are currently infectious and separating themselves from the community.

The Department of Health conducts active monitoring of cases and contacts to prevent further spread in the community.

But according to the department, the risk of local transmission linked to international travel remains.

The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit says it's about access to the vaccine and prevention.

"We hope the 10 sessions will make the vaccine accessible for those eligible in Gippsland as the vaccine had only been made available to the extremely high risk in Melbourne predominantly. It's all about access and prevention," said a spokesperson for GRPHU.

MPX can be spread from person-to-person through skin-to-skin contact, contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, and respiratory droplets.
Symptoms can include a rash, fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat and exhaustion. Proctitis or urethritis can also occur.
Clinicians should test for MPX in all patients presenting with compatible symptoms.
MPX is an urgent notifiable condition in Victoria, in accordance with Victorian statutory requirements.
An increased supply of MPX vaccines is now available in Victoria and vaccination eligibility criteria have been expanded.
Second doses are now available for those who have received their first dose at least 28 days prior.
Vaccination is available free-of-charge for eligible people through Local Public Health Units and certain sexual health clinics and health services.

The MPX Jynneos vaccine is available to eligible people aged 18 years and over. Check eligibility here: Check eligibility link

People can still access their COVID vaccination and booster from the bus during this time.

The client's privacy is a priority and measures are in place to respect confidentiality when visiting the bus. No appointments are required.

Get your COVID and MPX vaccination at the following locations;