Mpox Vaccination Now Available at Pharmacies Across Victoria
Download
PDF 157.6 KB
08 May 2025
Wednesday 07 May – Victorians can now access free mpox vaccination at participating pharmacies across the state through the new Mpox Community Pharmacy Initiative, launched by the Victorian Department of Health.
The initiative makes it easier than ever for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, trans and gender diverse people, and other priority groups to get vaccinated. Thorne Harbour Health’s dedicated Saturday vaccination clinic will continue to operate alongside the pharmacy program until the end of June 2025.
We're incredibly proud of the thousands of at risk community members who have come to us for their mpox vaccination to date, but this is an important step in making mpox vaccination more accessible than ever before.
Thorne Harbour Health CEO Simon Ruth
Australia saw over 1,400 mpox cases in 2024, with numbers easing in early 2025. However, in recent years, mpox cases have tended to rise again during winter and periods of increased international travel, particularly around large-scale events. The risk of transmission remains, particularly among sexually active men who have sex with men. The most effective protection remains a two-dose vaccine regimen, administered at least 28 days apart.
Case numbers are currently low, but keeping them that way depends on all of us. If you haven’t had your first or second dose, don’t wait. Vaccination is now free and accessiblem through your local pharmacy.
Simon Ruth
International travel, especially to regions with ongoing mpox outbreaks, continues to pose a risk. All people planning to travel who may engage in sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality, are encouraged to complete both doses of the vaccine before departure.
To find a participating pharmacy or other vaccine providers, visit the Better Health Channel’s Mpox Community Immunisation Provider page.
In other news
23 May 2025
Reconciliation Week 2025
National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements — and to explore how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.The 2025 theme, "Bridging Now to Next," is a reminder that, no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue. Whether you're attending a community event, engaging with First Nations voices, or learning something new, there are plenty of ways to get involved this year.Below is a curated list of events, activities, and resources across Melbourne and online that we encourage our communities to explore:
14 May 2025
Why This IDAHOBIT is Different
One year ago, Thorne Harbour Health stepped away from X (formerly known as Twitter) to take a stand against harmful online rhetoric on IDAHOBIT (International Day Against LGBTIQA+ Discrimination). In the months since, it’s become increasingly clear that this was the right decision. While Australia’s recent election results have sparked optimism for a more inclusive future, the past year has also seen a troubling rise in hostility against LGBTIQA+ people.