The JYNNEOS vaccine to protect against mpox (monkeypox) 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.
The following people are recommended to be vaccinated against mpox:
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 recommended to receive their second dose if it is at least 28 days since their first dose.
Search for your nearest vaccination clinic in the list below.
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.
Make a booking at Tamworth NSW Health Monkeypox Vaccination Clinic
0427 219 874
Mpox is caused by a virus that is spread mainly through skin-to-skin contact, or close contact with someone who has mpox. In NSW, it is primarily affecting gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men. For more information, visit our mpox information hub.
NSW Health began vaccinating people at highest risk from mpox 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 mpox. 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 recommended 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.
The JYNNEOS vaccine to protect against mpox is free in NSW and you can be vaccinated without a Medicare card.
The main vaccine against mpox available in Australia is called JYNNEOS.
It is safe to use for people aged over 18 years, including people who are immunocompromised and people who have HIV. It can be given at the same time as most other vaccines.
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 mpox.
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 mpox.
People who have an anaphylactic allergy to any of the following should not receive a JYNNEOS vaccine:
The JYNNEOS vaccine does not transmit mpox or any other virus to other people.
For more information visit Australian Department of Health - Monkeypox (MPX) – Information on JYNNEOS vaccine.
The JYNNEOS vaccine will now only be given subcutaneously (under the skin) by trained staff rather than intradermally (into the outer layers of the skin).
Anyone who received their first dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine intradermally can safely receive their second dose subcutaneously.
The decision to switch to subcutaneous vaccination was made in January 2023 because:
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 JYNNEOS vaccine.
At this stage, vaccination is not required if you have been diagnosed with mpox.
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 mpox 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 mpox for further guidance.
High-risk contacts will be offered the JYNNEOS vaccine as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), ideally within 4 days but up to 14 days post exposure to mpox.
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 mpox.
Vaccination is only one way to prevent mpox 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 mpox.
For advice on how to stay safe and prevent mpox infection, visit the mpox information hub or our partner ACON's website.
Translated mpox fact sheets and resources are available in multiple languages:
