Mpox vaccination
Mpox vaccination is available to eligible people in the ACT.
Who should be vaccinated
- sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)
- sex workers, particularly those whose clients are at risk of mpox exposure
- people living with HIV, if at risk of mpox exposure
- laboratory personnel working with orthopoxviruses
- any person (regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity) travelling to countries with ongoing transmission of clade 1 mpox, who may undertake sexual activities that place them at risk of mpox exposure
Vaccination may also be considered for:
- healthcare workers at risk of exposure to patients with mpox
- sexual partners of GBMSM, sex workers and people living with HIV
The vaccine can also be used as post-exposure prevention for people who have had a known high-risk exposure. ACT Health will advise on the need for post-exposure vaccination if you have been identified as a contact of someone with mpox infection.
Information about the mpox vaccine
To be fully vaccinated, 2 doses of the vaccine are needed at least 28 days apart.
You will have the strongest protection from 2 weeks after the second vaccine, but there is some protection from having 1 dose of the vaccine.
After you have been vaccinated against mpox, you may still be at risk of infection. You should continue to check for symptoms and take steps to protect yourself.
Find out more about reducing your risk and stopping the spread of mpox or go to Meridian ACT.
More information about the JYNNEOS vaccine is available at the Australian Immunisation Handbook website.
Getting an mpox vaccination
If the eligibility criteria apply to you, you can book your vaccination at one of the healthcare providers listed below.
You do not need a referral from your GP.
The vaccine is free for eligible people. You don’t need to have a Medicare card. A consultation or administration fee may apply.
Canberra Sexual Health Centre, Interchange Health Co-operative, Meridian ACT and Ochre Medical Centre Bruce will accept bookings if you don’t have a Medicare card.
We encourage you to book your appointment as soon as possible if you meet the eligibility criteria to reduce your risk of mpox.
Healthcare providers may have limited appointments and be responding to a high volume of calls. Your patience and courtesy while contacting them is greatly appreciated.
Discuss with your GP if you have concerns about mpox, the vaccine or questions about your eligibility.
While the vaccine is free, you may be charged an administration fee.
| Vaccination provider | Contact details |
|---|---|
Canberra Sexual Health Centre | Bookings can be made by phoning 02 5124 2184 between:
|
Capital Chemist University of Canberra | Walk-ins available Phone: 02 6251 3044 Opening hours:
|
Interchange Health Co-operative | Bookings can be made by phone and online: |
Meridian ACT | Walk-ins and bookings are available for the Mpox ‘Pop-up’ Vaccination Clinic. Phone: 02 6257 2855 Pop-up clinic dates are released at the start of each month on the Meridian ACT website. Weekend and afterhours times are available. |
| Ochre Medical Centre Bruce Building 28, University of Canberra Allawoona St and Ginninderra Dr Bruce ACT 2617 | Bookings can be made by phoning 02 6180 8500. Opening hours:
|
| Pharmacy on Northbourne 65 Northbourne Avenue (Corner of Northbourne Avenue and Alinga Street) Canberra ACT 2601 | Walk-ins available Phone: 02 6162 1133 Opening hours
|
| Travel Doctor-TMVC* Suite 14, Lena Karmel Lodge 1 Childers Lane Canberra ACT 2601 | Bookings can be made by phoning: (02) 6222 2300
*Please note – This provider caters for people travelling overseas only. Eligible people who are not travelling should see another mpox vaccine provider on this list. |
| Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services | For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only. Bookings can be made by phoning 02 6284 6222 on weekdays between 9 am to 5 pm. |
More information
There is no current recommendation for booster doses, following your primary 2-dose course, even if you are exposed to mpox. ACT Health follows the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) guidance on mpox vaccination. ATAGI will continue to review available evidence on whether booster doses should be considered in the future.