Bookings open for mpox vaccination

Vaccination bookings for mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, are now available at Wimmera and Grampians medical clinics.

People can make a vaccination booking with Horsham’s Lister House Clinic and East Grampians Health Service in Ararat.

Mpox is a viral disease that can spread from person-to-person via skin-to-skin contact, contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, and respiratory droplets.

Grampians Public Health Unit deputy director Ivan Pang said cases of mpox have been seen on an international scale since May.

Symptoms can include a rash, fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, a sore throat and exhaustion.

Mr Pang encouraged people to discuss the vaccine with their doctor because eligibility criteria has expanded.

He said a primary preventive vaccination was received in two doses for ‘optimal protection’, given 28 days apart. The vaccine takes about 14 days to become effective.

People can phone Lister House on 0458 969 778 or East Grampians Health Service on 5352 9363 to book their appointment.