NSW Health is urging men who have sex with men, sex workers and their sexual partners to get two free doses of mpox vaccine now to combat serious illness amid concerns of rising cases and hospitalisations in NSW.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said NSW is now seeing the largest mpox outbreak in the state since the first case was confirmed in May 2022, with 433 notifications since 1 June 2024.
Of the NSW cases, 37 per cent were fully vaccinated, 14 per cent had received one dose and 46 per cent were not vaccinated.
Dr Chant said achieving high levels of vaccination in those at risk will provide individual protection against severe illness and help prevent the spread.
“The rapidly rising numbers of mpox cases detected across the state are very concerning, with 26 people requiring hospitalisation due to the severity of their symptoms," Dr Chant said.
“The majority of cases of hospitalisation have been among people who are unvaccinated or have received only one dose of vaccine. While cases of mpox are occurring in vaccinated people, the cases tend to be milder and for a shorter period.
“Anyone can get mpox, however the virus is mainly spread by close skin to skin contact and people who are at highest risk of mpox are men who have sex with men and sex workers, so we are urging them to complete their vaccinations as two doses can provide vital protection against severe illness caused by the virus."
Dr Chant said while the new strain of the mpox virus, clade 1b, has been circulating in Central and West Africa since January 2023, no cases of this strain have been found in Australia.
ACON CEO Michael Woodhouse urged those at risk to not hesitate in getting fully vaccinated with two doses.
“People in our communities are at higher risk of acquiring mpox particularly sexually active gay and bisexual men and their partners. Our communities have a long history of doing what it takes to protect ourselves and our partners. Now is one of those times.
“Two doses of vaccine are required, so anyone who has only received one dose should get a second dose at least 28 days after the first.
“The mpox vaccine is free for communities at risk of acquiring mpox. You do not need a Medicare card to receive it.
“All vaccination appointments are private and confidential."
To find clinics offering the vaccination, refer to Mpox vaccination clinics or call the Sexual Health Infolink: 1800 451 624.
Western Sydney Local Health District Sexual Health Specialist Dr Rohan Bopage said mpox spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact, and often starts with small pimple-like skin lesions particularly in areas that are hard to see such as the genitals, anus or buttock.
“Mpox may also spread if you are sharing items, such as bedding, towels or clothes, with someone who has mpox and it can spread to others until the lesions resolve."
“Getting diagnosed early helps interrupt the spread so it's important to be aware of the symptoms of mpox which can include mild fever, headache, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes and mouth ulcers or rectal pain.
“Many cases are mild, but people who have any symptoms of mpox, even if they have had the mpox vaccine and even if mild, should immediately contact their GP or sexual health service for an appointment. Ask your doctor if it might be mpox, so testing can be done."
For further support, you can also call:
More information on mpox can be found on the NSW Health website at Mpox.
