NSW Monkeypox vaccination program commences – message from NSW Health

In response to the Monkeypox (MPXV) outbreak, a NSW vaccination program has commenced, with initial prioritisation of Gay, Bisexual Men who have Sex with Men (GBMSM) at highest risk of infection.

NSW has received an initial supply of 5,500 doses of the JYNNEOS smallpox vaccine, with a further 30,000 doses expected in September and an additional 70,000 in early 2023.

A NSW Health Vaccination Centre is operating in Crown St, Surry Hills and three large HIV S100 prescribers in inner Sydney are participating in the initial vaccination roll-out.

A distribution plan for future phases of the vaccination roll-out, including limited supplies to sexual health clinics, is currently being developed.

Patient eligibility for the initial round of MPXV vaccination:

  • High-risk GBMSM with booked travel to Europe or North America before 31 October 2022
  • High-risk GBMSM who are living with HIV and are immunocompromised (CD4 < 200)
  • High-risk GBMSM who are particularly vulnerable should monkeypox become locally endemic (sex worker, transgender, homeless, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, significant drug use)

How to refer eligible patients for MPXV vaccination:

  • For eligible people with booked travel before 31 October 2022
    Refer potential patients to the NSW Health Crown Street Vaccination Centre through an ‘expression of interest form’ accessed via ACON.
  • For other eligible people
    Providers can make a referral through the NSW Sexual Health Infolink 1800 451 624 for vulnerable and marginalised high-risk GBMSM (including people living with HIV with CD4<200, sex industry workers, homeless, significant drug use, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander).

See the latest NSW Health Monkeypox information for clinicians’ update (8 August 2022) – current situation, transmission and symptoms, management advice.

 Further assistance

Contact your local Public Health Unit 1300 066 055 to notify suspected cases.

Further information