More monkeypox vaccines have touched down in Victoria, meaning more people at risk of contracting the virus are now able to be vaccinated.
Victoria has received 12,900 more vaccines, as part of a total shipment of 20,500 doses due to arrive in Victoria by the end of 2022.
The increased supply of vaccines means the eligibility criteria for vaccination can now be expanded, in line with the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) criteria, and provides for access to second doses. The full list of those now eligible is published on the Department of Health’s Monkeypox webpage.
Vaccinations will continue to be delivered across Victoria in partnership with sexual health clinics, local public health units and health services.
Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer Associate Professor Deborah Friedman welcomed the arrival of the vaccines.
“This means more people at risk of contracting monkeypox can now protect themselves,” Associate Professor Friedman said.
Victoria received an initial 4,500 vaccine doses in August. More are expected to be delivered in 2023.
Victoria has recorded 69 cases of monkeypox in this current outbreak, with no currently active cases. There has been just one case reported in the past four weeks.
“While we know the current outbreak is mostly impacting men who have sex with men, anyone who comes into very close or intimate contact with someone with monkeypox can become infected,” Associate Professor Friedman added.
