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Updated 30 JULY 2025

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is still circulating in Victoria

Cases continue to be reported in 2025. Watch for symptoms and act quickly – if you notice anything unusual, stop having sex and get tested early.

Vaccination is strongly recommended, especially before overseas travel.

Getting vaccinated

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against mpox.

Mpox Community Pharmacy Initiative
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Victorians can now access free mpox vaccines at participating pharmacies across the state.

Call ahead to check your local pharmacy provides the vaccine.

Getting Vaccinated at Thorne Harbour Health
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You can book an appointment for an mpox vaccine in Melbourne at:

Pronto! (Abbotsford)

📍200 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067 – this is Thorne Harbour Health’s main site offering rapid HIV and STI testing.

  • Appointments required
  • Free if you book with a Practice Nurse
  • Fees will apply if you book with a GP or Nurse Practitioner

Book at Pronto!

The Centre Clinic (St Kilda)

📍 Suite 3A, 79‑81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 3182, located on the third floor of the Victorian Pride Centre.

  • Appointments required
  • Free if you book with a Practice Nurse
  • Fees will apply if you book with a GP or Nurse Practitioner

Book at The Centre Clinic

Your Community Health (Northcote)

📍 Northcote Health Centre. 42 Separation Street, Northcote VIC 3070

Thursday walk-in clinic:

  • No appointment needed
  • 4:30pm - 7:30pm

More information

Getting Vaccinated in Adelaide at SHINE SA
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SHINE SA – Hyde St Clinic

📍 57 Hyde Street, Adelaide SA 5000

  • Book a free mpox vaccine appointment via Hotdoc
  • If the available times don’t suit, call (08) 7099 5329

Book appointment

Adelaide Sexual Health Centre

📍 275 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000

  • Walk-in mpox vaccinations available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
    (Clinic may reach capacity quickly)
  • To book for Wednesdays, call (08) 7117 2800
  • No fee

About mpox

What is mpox?

Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) is a viral infection that spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including sex. 

While usually mild, it can cause a painful rash, fever and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms usually last 2 to 4 weeks.

Mpox is preventable and treatable, and vaccines are available to protect yourself and others.

What are the symptoms?
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It starts like the flu.

Mpox often starts with flu-like  symptoms such as:

  • Fever
  • headache
  • muscle ache
  • low energy
  • Swollen lymph nodes

These early signs are similar COVID-19 or the flu. Mpox will typically progress to rashes or lesions, which may appear on the face, arms, legs, inside the mouth and around the genitals or anus.

Symptoms in vaccinated people

In people who have been fully vaccinated, symptoms can be very mild, and visible rash or lesions are less common. However, some vaccinated individuals have reported the following symptoms:

  • Proctitis (inflammation of the rectum)
  • Stomach cramps
  • Increased or constant need to go to the toilet
  • Severe lower back or body pain
  • Sore throat and/or mouth ulcers
  • Painful urination

Mpox or something else?

Because many mpox symptoms resemble other STIs, such as herpes, it’s important to speak with your GP or local sexual health clinic if you have symptoms and think it could be mpox. Let them know your concerns and symptoms when making the appointment.

If your doctor is unfamiliar with mpox, you can share this resource with them:
https://sti.guidelines.org.au/sexually-transmissible-infections/monkeypox/

How long does it take for symptoms to appear?

The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) is usually 7 to 14 days, but it can be as short as 1–2 days or as long as 21 days.

When to seek medical help

While most mpox cases are mild, some people experience moderate to severe symptoms that can be painful.

If you believe you have been exposed to mpox or are showing symptoms, speak to your GP or local sexual health clinic for advice.

How is it transmitted?
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Mpox spreads through close contact

Mpox spreads through close physical contact with someone who has the virus – especially through sexual or intimate contact.

Sexual contact carries a higher risk

While mMpox hasn’t historically been classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), sexual contact with someone who has the virus poses a high risk of transmission.

Body fluids, sores and saliva can carry the virus

The virus can be passed on though:

  • Contact with bodily fluids (such as fluid, pus or blood from skin lesions)
  • Touching scabs or broken skin
  • Saliva, especially if there are sores or lesions in the mouth

Skin-to-skin contact, kissngkissing and sex are common ways mpox can spread.

What to do if you think you have mpox

If you’re feeling unwell or notice a rash or lesion, it’s important to seek medical advice. Mpox can be confused with other STIs, so early testing matters.

Why are many cases being detected in men who have sex with men?
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Why more cases are being detected in some communities

Right now, many mpox cases are being detected among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). This is largely because the virus is currently circulating within sexual network connected to this community.

Regular sexual health check-ups help with early detection

Mpox symptoms (like rashes or lesions) can look similar to other STIs like herpes or syphilis. Because many MSM actively engage with sexual health services and get tested regularly, mpox is being picked up more often in sexual health clinics.

Mpox can affect anyone

The risk of mpox is not limited to any one group. Anyone who has close physical or sexual contact with someone who has the virus can get it.

It’s important we avoid stigma – anyone can acquire or pass on mpox, regardless of their sexuality or gender.

Stay on top of your sexual health

If you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to know your HIV status and get tested for other STIs regularly. Mpox symptoms can be more severe if you’re also living with untreated HIV or another STI. Find out more about getting tested here.

What should I do if I think I have mpox?
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If you have symptoms, seek medical advice 

If you have symptoms that could be mpox, speak with your GP or sexual health clinic as soon as possible. Mpox symptoms can look like other STIs, so it’s important to get tested to confirm the cause.
If you’re going to a clinic or emergency department:

  • Call ahead to let them know you are coming
  • Wear a mask
  • Cover any lesions.

Self-isolation may be required

Depending on your diagnosis and symptoms, you may be asked to self-isolate to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Avoid close or intimate contact

If you are diagnosed with mpox, avoid close physical contact (including all sexual activity) until all symptoms have cleared.

Keep lesions covered and take extra care if you have mouth or throat symptoms

If you have lesions, try to keep them covered when around other people or pets. If you have mouth sores, a sore throat (pharyngitis), or a cough, you may also be asked to wear a mask to prevent the spread.

Additional steps to help reduce the risk of passing it on

  • Practice careful hand and respiratory hygiene
  • Limit close contact with household members by sleeping in a separate room and/or using a separate bathroom
  • Don’t touch your face or rub your eyes – especially if blisters are near your eyes
  • Don’t share clothing, bedding, or towels, and do your own laundry
  • Don’t share cutlery, crockery or drinkware unless it’s been washed
  • Work from home if possible
  • Clean and disinfect shared spaces (especially bathrooms) after use
  • Stay away from high-risk settings like aged care, childcare or hospitals (unless seeking care)
  • Avoid close contact with animals, particularly dogs and rodents
  • Avoid close contact with people who are at higher risk of severe illness, such as immunosuppressed people, pregnant people, or young children

How is it treated?
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Most people with Mpox have a mild self-limiting illness and recover within a few weeks without specific treatment.

There are some therapies available for the treatment of Mpox, particularly for people at high-risk such as those who are immunosuppressed.

Mpox, your health and prevention

Mpox can affect people differently depending on their health status and circumstances – but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and others.

Am I at greater risk if I’m HIV-positive?
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Mpox risks for people living with HIV

People living with HIV who are on effective antiretroviral treatment are at no greater risk than HIV-negative people.

Mpox may be more severe for those with weakened immune systems

For people who are severely immunocompromised and not on HIV antiviral medication, Mpox can be of greater severity and duration.

What the evidence tells us so far

There is very limited evidence on Mpox in people living with HIV. Most existing research comes from countries with less access to treatment and healthcare than in Australia.

Health experts continue to monitor the situation closely. If new evidence shows increased risk for people with suppressed immune systems, updated advice and information will be shared.

What if I recently returned from overseas?
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Returning from overseas? Monitor for symptoms

If you recently returned from overseas (especially if you've been having casual sex or visited sex-on-premises venues) it's important to keep an eye out for symptoms.

Mpox can cause a rash in multiple areas of the body, so check around your mouth, genitals and anus for any new spots or lesions.

Seek medical advice if symptoms appear

If you develop symptoms like an unusual rash or swollen lymph nodes, seek medical advice straight away.

Stay at home and isolate until given further advice by your doctor.

If you’re attending a clinic or emergency department:

  • Call to let them know you are coming
  • Wear a mask
  • Inform the reception staff on arrival
  • Wait in isolation until a clinician can see you

How is it prevented?
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Reducing your risk of mpox

There are a number of steps you can take to lower your risk of getting mpox – but the most effective protection is vaccination.

Sexual health strategies

Because mpox is spreading through sexual networks, the following tips can help reduce your risk:

  • Limit your number of sexual partners. Fewer partners means less chance of coming into contact with someone who may have mpox.
  • Swap contact info with hook-ups. This way, if symptoms appear, you can let each other know and get tested.
  • Reduce skin-to-skin contact during sex. Consider using condoms (especially for anal sex), avoid kissing and cuddling, don’t use spit as lube, and wash your face, hands, and body after sex.
  • Create a 'sex bubble'. Similar to COVID strategies, this involves only having sex with a small, trusted group to reduce exposure risk.

If you're planning to travel

Before travelling overseas, especially to areas where mpox is circulating:

  • Book your mpox vaccination. The vaccine provides the best protection after at least two weeks. Two doses are recommended, spaced at least 28 days apart.
  • Stay up to date with health alerts. Check local advice in the country you’re visiting.
  • Be cautious at high-contact venues. If you’re attending events including dark rooms, play spaces or sex-on-premises, be mindful of the risks and stay alert to updates from event organisers.

General prevention tips
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A few extra things you can do to help reduce your risk:

  • Check yourself for symptoms before going out. If you notice a rash or feel unwell, stay home and get checked.
  • Think about the venue. Crowded places with lots of close skin contact or minimal clothing can increase exposure risk. Don’t share personal items. Avoid sharing towels, toothbrushes, and sex toys.
  • Stick to your own bed. It’s safer to sleep in your own clean sheets than someone else’s.

Vaccine information

Here’s what you need to know about the JYNNEOS vaccine, second doses, side effects, and more.

How does the vaccine work?
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How the vaccine works

The JYNNEOS vaccine is given in  two –doses, at least 28 days apart.

Your body begins to build protection after the first dose, but it takes about two weeks after each dose to reach the highest level of protection.

The vaccine is safe for people who are immunocompromised.

What vaccine is available for Mpox?
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The JYNNEOS vaccine is currently available in Australia to prevent mpox.

Will the vaccine leave a mark?
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Mpox vaccines are now given subcutaneously —an injection into the upper arm, like a flu or COVID vaccine. This method is unlikely to leave a mark.

Previously, some people received the vaccine intradermally (a shallow injection just under the skin, usually in the forearm). This often caused a temporary mark. Intradermal injections used a smaller dose and were used during the global vaccine shortage in 2022.

This is no longer the case in Australia —standard subcutaneous injections are now the norm.

Am I eligible for my second dose?
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If it’s been at least 28 days since your first dose, you’re eligible for your second mpox vaccine.

  • Two doses offer the best protection, but your first dose starts to work after about two weeks.
  • You don’t need to get the second dose at exactly 28 days – getting it later is fine and won’t reduce your protection once both doses are completed.
  • If your first dose was more than 12 months ago, you can still get your second dose now—you do not need to restart the series.

What are the common side effects of the vaccine?
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Side effects are common but usually mild.

The most frequently reported side effects include:

  • Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches

These side effects typically go away on their own within a few days. If you’re concerned about how you’re feeling after the vaccine, speak with your GP or vaccination provider.

Do I need a Medicare card to receive the vaccine?
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No. The mpox vaccine is free for everyone, regardless of whether you have a Medicare card.

Some clinics may ask for a Medicare card when you book or attend, but you can still get vaccinated without one.

Note: while the vaccine itself is free, some clinics may charge a fee for the consultation. It’s best to check with the clinic beforehand.

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