The JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine is free in NSW for eligible groups of people. You can be vaccinated without a Medicare card.
Eligible people, and anyone who has received their first dose but is waiting on their second dose, can now make an appointment using our online booking system.
For free help in your language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.
Vaccine supply is currently limited due to global demand.
The eligibility criteria to receive the monkeypox vaccine in NSW has been expanded further.
People eligible to receive the vaccine include:
If this criteria applies to you, you can book your vaccine at one of the clinics listed below.
Anyone who has already received their first dose is now able to receive their second dose.
Search for your nearest vaccination clinic in the list below.
Appointments will become available at the other sites which currently state 'coming soon' over time. Keep checking this page to see if these clinics are offering appointments yet, otherwise we encourage you to book in at an alternative nearby clinic that is offering bookings if you would like to be vaccinated earlier.
If you are having trouble booking an appointment, call the vaccination clinic below. You can also call NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 for further vaccine booking support.
0427 219 874
Monkeypox is a virus that is spread mainly through skin-to-skin contact, or close contact with someone who has monkeypox. In NSW, it is primarily affecting gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men. For more information, visit our monkeypox information hub.
NSW Health began vaccinating people at highest risk from monkeypox on 8 August 2022. In October 2022, up to 25,000 additional doses of the vaccine arrived in NSW, allowing more people to be vaccinated against monkeypox. Up to 70,000 additional doses are expected in 2023.
NSW Health is working closely with partner agencies such as NSW Sexual Health Infolink and ACON on the vaccine rollout.
People who are eligible to receive the vaccine can book and manage their appointments online.
Anyone who is having issues with viewing or changing their booking online should call the clinic they have an appointment with or NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.
Monkeypox vaccines are free in NSW and you can be vaccinated without a Medicare card.
The monkeypox vaccine available in Australia is called JYNNEOS.
It is safe to use for people aged over 18 years, including in people who are immunocompromised and people who have HIV.
It can be given at the same time as most other vaccines. If you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the last 4 weeks, check with your GP first to see if you need to wait before you’re vaccinated against monkeypox.
JYNNEOS is a new vaccine so we’re still learning about it, however information from clinical trials shows the vaccine should be effective in preventing monkeypox.
Two doses of the vaccine are required for maximum protection, given at least 28 days apart.
The vaccine is most effective two weeks after the second dose and gives an 80% protection against monkeypox. The vaccine does not provide full protection against monkeypox, especially if you have received only one dose.
People who have an anaphylactic allergy to any of the following should not receive a JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine:
The JYNNEOS vaccine does not transmit monkeypox or any other pox virus to other people.
For more information visit Australian Department of Health - Monkeypox (MPX) – Information on JYNNEOS vaccine.
The JYNNEOS vaccine may be given by trained staff into the outer layers of the skin (intradermally), or under the skin (subcutaneously).
Subcutaneous vaccination is recommended to contacts of a person with monkeypox, or anyone with a significantly weakened immune system or a history of keloid scarring. Please let the clinic know as soon as you arrive if this applies to you – you can still be vaccinated, but not by intradermal injection.
As with all vaccines, minor side effects can be expected with the JYNNEOS vaccine. Most are mild and short-lived.
Common side effects include:
People with eczema may experience more symptoms after vaccination compared to those without this condition.
Read our post-vaccination fact sheet for more information on what to expect after getting your monkeypox vaccine.
At this stage, vaccination is not required if you have been diagnosed with monkeypox.
Previous research in cases who have been infected with similar viruses suggests long-term immunity after infection. However, we do not yet have a clear understanding of this with the monkeypox virus, including to what extent you will be protected and if so, for how long.
Therefore, it is important to take necessary precautions to protect yourself to avoid being reinfected again. Read our Information for people who have monkeypox for further guidance.
High-risk contacts will be offered the monkeypox vaccine as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), ideally within 4 days but up to 14 days post exposure to monkeypox.
Medium-risk contacts may be offered this too, but the local public health unit will advise further.
Read our Information for high-risk contacts and Information for medium-risk contacts for further advice.
The JYNNEOS vaccine is safe and preferred for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For answers to other frequently asked questions, visit ACON - Frequently asked questions about MPXV.
Vaccination is only one way to prevent monkeypox infection.
As there is still a risk of infection following vaccination, it’s still important to take steps to reduce the chance of catching or spreading monkeypox.
For advice on how to stay safe and prevent monkeypox infection, visit the monkeypox information hub or our partner ACON's website.
Translated monkeypox fact sheets and resources are available in multiple languages:
