Victoria’s mpox (monkeypox) vaccination program

Victoria’s mpox (monkeypox) vaccination program

15 August, 2023

The Victorian Department of Health (the department) is inviting immunisation providers to promote and participate in Victoria’s mpox (monkeypox) vaccination program.

Background

Victoria has recorded two new locally acquired cases of mpox (formerly monkeypox), for the first time in 2023. The last case of mpox in Victoria was reported in November 2022, however the viral infection has continued to spread internationally.

This trend and recent local cases show that there is an ongoing risk of mpox in Victoria from both local and overseas transmission.

While the current outbreak has predominantly impacted men who have sex with men, anyone who has been in close and usually prolonged intimate contact with someone with mpox is at risk.

Please refer to the Chief Health Officer Alert for further details.

Vaccination

Vaccination is a key measure to reduce the spread and protect people from mpox.

  • Two doses of JYNNEOS® mpox vaccine are required for optimal protection, provided at least 28 days apart.
  • Each vial contains a single dose of 0.5ml.
  • The recommended administration route is via subcutaneous injection.
  • Once thawed, and distributed to immunisation providers, the vaccine must be kept at +2°C to +8°C and has a shelf life of 24 weeks.

Eligibility for vaccination

  • Details of eligibility for the free vaccine can be found on the department’s Mpox (monkeypox) webpage.
  • People who meet the eligibility criteria have been identified as a priority for vaccination.
  • The vaccine is free to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, including individuals without a Medicare card.

Social media pack

  • See the department's social pack for mpox vaccines, including key messages and social media assets for use by your health service to promote vaccination.
  • Our partners at Thorne Harbour Health have also created a suite of targeted social media assets in English and other languages: Simplified Chinese, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Thai.

Clinical guidance

  • The Victorian mpox vaccination program guidelines can be accessed under the Resources for health professionals' section on the department’s Mpox (monkeypox) webpage.
  • JYNNEOS® mpox vaccine has been added to the Secretary Approval: Nurse Immunisers on condition of the completion of the mpox vaccination eLearning module. (15-20min duration)
  • Registered nurses may administer JYNNEOS® vaccine upon instruction from a medical or nurse practitioner.
  • The department invites all providers to complete the mpox vaccination eLearning module.

Ordering vaccines

The JYNNEOS® mpox vaccine is available to order through Onelink Online for providers who hold a Government funded vaccine account.

Please note the following information before ordering the vaccine:

  • Health services can register their interest with the Immunisation Unit by emailing immunisation@health.vic.gov.au.
  • Orders can be placed using the Onelink vaccine order form template. The department will add the option for your health service to order JYNNEOS® vaccine once your registration of interest has been received.
  • The minimum amount that can be ordered is 20 vials (one box).
  • It is recommended providers commence with a small order and increase stock as demand indicated. The department can facilitate urgent orders as required.

Alternate pathways

For your visibility there are alternative pathways to accessing JYNNEOS® mpox vaccine. If your service is unable to provide immunisation, or receives interest beyond capacity, the department encourages referral to: