Australia is distributing monkeypox vaccinations, with three states already offering a shot against the quickly spreading painful illness.
The JYNNEOS smallpox vaccine is being distributed to the most susceptible people in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. Gay and bisexual males are the most likely to develop the infection, which is spread by prolonged intimate contact with an infected individual, or through their clothes or bedding.
‘Most individuals are not at danger of monkeypox,’ said Jeremy McAnulty, executive director of Health Protection NSW.
‘We’re especially worried about the protection of males who have sex with men.’ Authorities advise at-risk populations to limit the number of sexual partners they have and to practice safe sex.
Sex workers, people with drug addiction disorders, and those who are HIV + or otherwise immune compromised are also more risk.
Travelers going to the United Kingdom or North America before October 31 are also eligible.
Executive Director of NSW Health Protection According to Jeremy McAnulty (pictured), the illness is spread by skin-to-skin contact, although most individuals are not at danger.
Executive Director of NSW Health Protection According to Jeremy McAnulty (pictured), the illness is spread by skin-to-skin contact, although most individuals are not at danger.
Victoria is distributing the immunizations this week, while NSW plans to provide 5,500 to people at high risk by Monday.
South Australia will also provide 900 doses to individuals in greatest need, with more for the broader community expected in the coming months.
Monkeypox is similar to smallpox, although it is less severe and does not spread readily between people. Infection may arise via rashes, skin sores or blisters, and body fluids, and most cases recover without treatment within two to four weeks.
During the infection, however, the patient develops painful sores.
The vaccination is administered in two doses, 28 days apart, and includes a live vaccinia virus that cannot multiply.
Dr. Nick Medland, a Sexual Health Specialist, told GP News that the goal is to limit transmission.
‘We anticipate the epidemic to diminish once 75,000 individuals of our community have received one dosage of the vaccine and may not be eradicated until 250,000 doses have been provided to those in greatest need,’ he added.
Last week, Australia got 450,000 doses of the vaccine.