Media Release

NSW Health makes access to monkeypox vaccine easier

20 October 2022

People at risk of monkeypox infection will have easier access to the vaccine with 20 temporary vaccination clinics now open across the state following a $2 million boost from the NSW Government.

Vaccine eligibility has also been expanded to include all gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men who have multiple or casual sexual partners. All people who have sex with these men are also invited to book in for vaccination.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said that with the expansion of both vaccine eligibility and the monkeypox vaccination program across the state, more people at higher risk of monkeypox infection will be able to access the vaccine closer to home.

"Eligible people at risk of monkeypox infection can now make an appointment through a new online booking system at a clinic in their community, giving them more choice over where and when they have the vaccine," Dr Chant said.

"Worldwide, supplies of monkeypox vaccine have been limited, but with additional doses expected to arrive in the coming weeks and more in 2023, these clinics will ensure we vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible."

The vast majority of monkeypox cases and high-risk people identified to date live in Sydney, however people who are at risk may live anywhere in the state.

"The expansion of eligibility and clinics across the state means more members of the community who are at risk from monkeypox are able to receive their vaccinations as soon as possible," Dr Chant said.

"We thank the community for their fantastic response to NSW Health’s vaccination program to date, and encourage those at risk of monkeypox who are yet to be vaccinated to come forward as soon as possible."

People are advised to continue to look out for symptoms of monkeypox, with 54 cases identified in NSW since 20 May 2022, three of whom acquired the infection in NSW.

For advice on how to stay safe and prevent monkeypox infection, please visit the ACON website and the NSW Health monkeypox information hub.