Victorians can now access free mpox vaccines at participating pharmacies across the state.
Call ahead to check your local pharmacy provides the vaccine.
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Stay protected: get vaccinated for free at clinics and pharmacies across Victoria. No Medicare needed. Two vaccine doses (at least 28 days apart) offer the best protection.
Updated 30 JULY 2025
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.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against mpox.
Victorians can now access free mpox vaccines at participating pharmacies across the state.
Call ahead to check your local pharmacy provides the vaccine.
You can book an appointment for an mpox vaccine in Melbourne at:
📍200 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067 – this is Thorne Harbour Health’s main site offering rapid HIV and STI testing.
📍 Suite 3A, 79‑81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 3182, located on the third floor of the Victorian Pride Centre.
📍 Northcote Health Centre. 42 Separation Street, Northcote VIC 3070
Thursday walk-in clinic:
📍 57 Hyde Street, Adelaide SA 5000
📍 275 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
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.
Mpox often starts with flu-like symptoms such as:
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.
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:
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/
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.
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.
Mpox spreads through close physical contact with someone who has the virus – especially through sexual or intimate contact.
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.
The virus can be passed on though:
Skin-to-skin contact, kissngkissing and sex are common ways mpox can spread.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Depending on your diagnosis and symptoms, you may be asked to self-isolate to prevent spreading the virus to others.
If you are diagnosed with mpox, avoid close physical contact (including all sexual activity) until all symptoms have cleared.
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.
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 can affect people differently depending on their health status and circumstances – but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and others.
People living with HIV who are on effective antiretroviral treatment are at no greater risk than HIV-negative people.
For people who are severely immunocompromised and not on HIV antiviral medication, Mpox can be of greater severity and duration.
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.
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.
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:
There are a number of steps you can take to lower your risk of getting mpox – but the most effective protection is vaccination.
Because mpox is spreading through sexual networks, the following tips can help reduce your risk:
Before travelling overseas, especially to areas where mpox is circulating:
A few extra things you can do to help reduce your risk:
Here’s what you need to know about the JYNNEOS vaccine, second doses, side effects, and more.
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.
The JYNNEOS vaccine is currently available in Australia to prevent mpox.
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.
If it’s been at least 28 days since your first dose, you’re eligible for your second mpox vaccine.
Side effects are common but usually mild.
The most frequently reported side effects include:
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.
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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