Mpox Vaccinations

/ Medsana News / By

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral disease that has been around for many decades, but we are seeing a resurgence in cases in the past few years and in places where there was previously no transmission. The WHO has declared mpox to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to ongoing human-human transmission, which has previously not been observed. It is not currently considered a pandemic. Australian healthcare authorities are actively monitoring the situation and there has been an increase in availability of the mpox vaccine which is now available (pending stock and demand) through GP clinics for specific populations.

Mpox is largely not an airborne virus and is mostly transmitted through close contact and bodily fluids. The disease is usually self-limiting and can last for 2-4 weeks. Commonly there can be a pox-like rash and while these are present, individuals remain contagious. Other symptoms can be general including but not limited to fevers, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), back pain and sore throat.

There is a vaccination available which is highly effective against mpox and smallpox. It is a 2-dose vaccine given 4 weeks apart.

At time of writing, the mpox vaccine is available as Post-exposure Preventive Vaccination  (high-risk exposure in the previous 14 days) or in the following groups as Primary Preventive Vaccination:
1) Men who have sex with men and their partners
2) Sex workers
3) Anyone at greater risk of a poor clinical outcome from Mpox infection e.g. immunocompromised individuals
4) Anyone with occupational risk e.g. laboratory staff handling mpox specimens; healthcare workers at higher risk of exposure to patients with mpox; sex-on-premises staff etc.
5) Travellers in the above groups to countries experiencing a significant outbreak

The mpox vaccine available is not a live vaccine, but is made from a modified virus similar to smallpox and monkeypox viruses. It does not cause disease in humans and is non-replicating (AIH). It is also effective against smallpox, which was a naturally occuring viral disease considered eliminated in the 1970s. Interestingly, the current vaccination is also effective against smallpox, a viral disease which was considered eradicated in the 1970s.

If you’re concerned about mpox, we suggest booking an appointment to discuss your concerns with a GP in the first instance. If there is concern regarding a rash or symptoms, please consider a more urgent review and notify reception prior. We love photos, so taking photos at different stages can help us further diagnose any issues.

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Timely PCR Swab Service

Available between 8:30am – 9am

 

  1. Short Telephone Consult with the patient – bulk billed if Medicare eligible. Private fees with no Medicare rebates apply if the patient has not seen us in the last 12 months.
  2. The doctor will request a respiratory panel for viruses and bacteria (where clinically appropriate).  For example, Influenza, Covid, RSV, mycoplasma, pertussis and so forth.  Not all possible infections are on this panel.  The doctor may decline the request if it is not appropriate and direct the patient accordingly.
  3. Normal fees will apply if more than swabbing is requested.  Clinical examination and other requests requires a normal consultation at another time.
  4. Patient arrives at the car park next to Building 10 before 11am.  Or takes the pathology request to another 4Cyte collection centre.
  5. Patient calls reception to notify of their arrival so the 4Cyte Pathology Collector can gown up and go the patient’s car to swab the patient.
  6. PCR swab gets sent to 4Cyte.  The processing times varies according to workflows.
  7. 4Cyte will SMS the patient with the Covid results.  Positive PCR test results for other respiratory viruses or bacteria are not named.  A negative PCR result doesn’t mean the patient is infection free.  These swabs narrow down the possibilities and guide appropriate treatments.
  8. An appropriate appointment needs to be made for results in person, via video or via phone.  Normal fees applies for these consult.  Normal fees applies if the doctor calls the patient for further clinical advice and management.  
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