Following my representations, the federal and state governments have secured a limited supply of Monkeypox vaccines which will be available this week.

With worldwide supplies limited, the vaccine will be set aside for those at highest risk. While the disease has been prevalent in Africa since the 1970s, the main groups affected in Australia so far are returned travelers who are men who have sex with men. People with compromised immunity are at high risk of severe illness and the isolation period to protect others from spread can be disruptive to life so vaccination is important. In our discussion, Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant informed me that NSW Health is keen to have high-risk groups vaccinated before Sydney WorldPride next year.  

ACON Health has targeted information and advice for LGBTQ+ communities and protecting yourself and others and how to manage the disease > HERE. NSW Health information > HERE or call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624. The Conversation has a good summary > HERE. Last week’s Sydney Morning Herald report > HERE.