Mpox vaccine rollout success
Prioritising at-risk patients for mpox (monkeypox) vaccination was a highly effective strategy at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre according to a recent study.
Men who have sex with men (MSM) were disproportionally affected by the mpox outbreak last year, with Victoria having more than half of the detected cases.
Sexual Health epidemiologist A/Prof Eric Chow said efforts to quell the spread of the virus had been successful, but there was no room for complacency.
“We were able to vaccinate almost 400 people in a two-week period… these were people who met strict eligibility requirements due to short supply of the vaccine,” A/Prof Chow said.
"WorldPride is a great time for people to ensure they’re protected, not just for themselves, but for the wider community.
A/Prof Chow said that while community transmission is currently very low, it’s important vulnerable, at-risk people continue to receive the vaccine.
“Right now we do not have any cases in Victoria, however there’s still quite a bit of transmission overseas, which as we’ve seen can easily make its way over here.
“The best way to keep our community safe is to continue to ensure that those at-risk are vaccinated.
"We’ve got clear evidence now that this is a strategy that works.”
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