MPXV vaccine registration of interest

The JYNNEOS vaccine is the vaccine being offered to community members during the monkeypox vaccination program. It is a two-dose vaccine given four weeks apart. It is administered by injection, usually in the upper arm, and is safe to use in people who are immunocompromised.

JYNNEOS is one of two vaccines used for MPXV currently approved in Australia.

The other vaccine, ACAM2000, is associated with rare but serious side effects and adverse events, especially in certain groups of people such as those who are severely immunosuppressed. Because of this, ACAM2000 is not recommended for mass vaccination.

The JYNNEOS vaccine is a two-dose vaccine, given at least 28 days apart. A person will start to build protection in the days and weeks after their first dose but will not have full immunity from the vaccine until two weeks after the second dose.

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes the vaccine’s efficacy as 85%, in other words preventing 17 out of every 20 infections. It should be noted that studies have been limited and there is a need to grow the evidence in this area. 

Protection increases in the weeks following your vaccination. Your clinical provider will be able to provide more information.  

Side effects are common but usually mild. Most people have redness, swelling and pain where they get the shot. Tiredness, headache and muscle pain can also occur after vaccination.

An older version of the smallpox vaccine carries a risk of heart muscle or heart lining inflammation, especially when given at the same time as mRNA vaccines such as those used for COVID-19. It is not known if the vaccine being used during this rollout (JYNNEOS) also carries these risks.

For people at risk of these conditions, such as young adult males, NSW Health recommends spacing their JYNNEOS and mRNA COVID-19 booster/vaccine apart by several weeks. Talk to your doctor for further information.

Yes. A targeted vaccination program against MPXV focussing on high-risk groups is being implemented in NSW. The vaccine rollout is being led by NSW Health.

There is significant global demand for this vaccine. NSW has received a limited supply from the Commonwealth Government. Because of this initially limited supply, vaccines will be offered in a phased approach with priority given to those most at risk.

Priority groups for the initial phase of the vaccine rollout include gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM); those who would be particularly vulnerable should MPXV become locally endemic, such as MSM who are homeless; sex workers; and high-risk people planning to travel overseas with known MPXV outbreaks.

Those determined to be at high risk will then receive a clinical assessment to determine their eligibility for the vaccine at this point in time. People at risk of MPXV who register their interest, but are not eligible for the initial phase, will be offered a vaccine appointment once additional supplies of the vaccine become available.

Based on expert advice to achieve the best protection for the community only first doses will be given in the initial phase. For maximum protection, a second dose is advised to be given at least 28 days after the first. People receiving a first dose will be invited to return for a second dose once additional vaccine supplies are received.

No. While some vaccination sites may ask you to bring a Medicare card along to your appointment, MPXV vaccines are available at no charge to everyone regardless of their Medicare status.

People seeking to be vaccinated are asked to register their interest online via NSW Health. Please note: completing the form does not guarantee vaccine access.

We ask that other people who believe they are at risk to be patient so those most at risk are protected first. Further vaccine will be available later in the year.

People who have registered their interest and meet the eligibility criteria for the first stage of the vaccine rollout will receive an SMS from NSW Health over the next few days. The SMS will contain a unique code so that they can book an appointment online.

Those who have registered for the vaccine but are not eligible for the first stage will be contacted by NSW Health in the lead up to the next stage of the rollout that will begin in September 2022, if they are eligible.

People who are deemed at high risk of MPXV infection – such as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men that have a history of multiple sexual partners – who are planning to travel to a country with a significant MPXV outbreak should get vaccinated.

But be sure you plan early and to take into account the limited supply. You will need at least four weeks between your two doses, and another two weeks after your second dose to get full protection from the vaccines.

It is important to be self-aware of your health at all times, including after being vaccinated.

If you develop any symptoms, particularly an unusual rash, lesions or sores, seek medical advice immediately. Call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 or call your GP or local sexual health clinic via phone or telehealth.

Anyone categorised by public health authorities as a high risk MPXV contact should get the vaccine. Speak to your GP or healthcare professional about vaccine access if you are a close contact.

Monitor for symptoms and if you develop any symptoms, particularly an unusual rash, lesions or sores, seek medical advice immediately. Call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 or call your GP or local sexual health clinic via phone or telehealth.

If you have symptoms of MPXV it is important to speak to a healthcare provider first before accessing a vaccine appointment. Contact your regular healthcare provider and let them know before attending that you might be experiencing symptoms. For support on how to best navigate healthcare settings if you think you have symptoms, call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.

The JYNNEOS vaccine is given as a two-dose vaccine with each dose given around six to eight weeks apart. However, at this time, due to limited supply in NSW, you may receive your second dose after this period. The clinic you attended will contact you when it is time for your next dose.

If you received your first dose at a NSW Health vaccination site, you do not need to register again online. You will be contacted.

Please be patient as we wait for more vaccines to arrive. With the currently limited supply, NSW Health are working to get as many first doses administered to those at high risk of MPXV.

Continue to take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to MPXV, even if you have already received one dose. Once you have been vaccinated, you should continue to protect yourself by avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact, including sex or other intimate contact, as well as items such as bedding or towels with a person who has MPXV.

Yes. The federal and state governments are working to secure more supplies of the vaccine. As more vaccines become available, more people can get vaccinated against MPXV.