People at risk of monkeypox (MPXV) will have easier access to NSW’s vaccination program following an expansion of eligibility criteria, more vaccination sites and a self-managed online booking system.
Eligibility criteria is being expanded to allow more people to get the JYNNEOS vaccine. Gay, bisexual men and men who have sex with men (cis and trans) with multiple or casual sexual partners, as well as anyone who has sex with these men, including women (cis and trans), and non-binary people will now be eligible to get the vaccine.
NSW Health have launched a new online booking system allowing people to make appointments online.
The rollout of the vaccine will also ramp up with more vaccination sites being set up around NSW including in regional locations.
ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill said: “ACON and our partner NSW Health thank our communities for their patience in accessing the JYNNEOS vaccine. Interest in accessing the vaccine has been extremely high and we’re encouraged by the fact that our communities remain as keen as always to protect their health and that of their partners.
“The expansion of eligibility and the set-up of more sites means more people at risk of MPXV are able to receive their vaccinations.
“With an increase in clinics and more supply due to arrive in NSW in October, we can continue efforts to protect the health of our communities and prevent an outbreak of MPXV in NSW and Australia.”
Parkhill said it’s important that people continue to take steps to reduce their risk of MPXV exposure until they are fully vaccinated, which includes two doses at least 28 days apart.
“It’s important our communities continue to be self-aware when it comes to their health,” Parkhill said. “Let’s continue to take measures that help us all stay safe such as understanding how MPXV is transmitted, reducing risk, practicing good hygiene, self-isolating when unwell and seeking medical attention when symptoms appear by calling your GP, local sexual health clinic or the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.”
