Mpox Vaccine in East Melbourne
FREE bulk-billed with Medicare · East Melbourne in-clinic
Specialist GP consult and Mpox vaccination at our East Melbourne clinic. Consult bulk-billed for Medicare card holders.
Vaccine free under the National Mpox Vaccination Program for eligible patients (GBM/MSM, sex workers, sexual partners, healthcare workers handling Mpox). Paid separately at the consult if not eligible.
Two-dose schedule, 28 days apart
Recorded on the AIR
No Medicare? Consult without Medicare from $149
Call 1300 222 365 to book
Founded by Dr Ed Skinner
Specialist GP · 10+ years sexual health · University of Melbourne
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Mpox Vaccine in East Melbourne
Specialist GP consult is bulk-billed for Medicare card holders, $149 without. The Mpox vaccine itself is government-funded under the National Mpox Vaccination Program for eligible patients — gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, sex workers, sexual partners of the above, and healthcare workers handling Mpox. If not eligible under the program, the vaccine is paid separately at the consult.
Pre-exposure vaccination is the most common reason to book. The standard schedule is two doses, given 28 days apart. Full protection is established about 2 weeks after the second dose. Post-exposure vaccination is strongest when given within 4 days of a known or suspected exposure — contact the clinic as soon as possible if you think you have been exposed.
What Mpox is. Mpox is a viral infection caused by a virus related to smallpox. It typically causes painful sores or a rash, often in the genital, anal, or perioral area, sometimes with fever, swollen lymph nodes, and general illness. The 2022 to 2024 outbreaks spread mainly through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, with men who have sex with men disproportionately affected. Most people recover fully without specific treatment, but illness can be severe and prolonged in some, particularly in people with immune-compromising conditions.
Who is recommended for vaccination. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men with multiple partners (any age), particularly those on or considering HIV PrEP; sex workers and others at occupational risk; sexual partners of the above; healthcare workers handling Mpox cases; immune-compromised people in higher-risk groups; and travellers to areas with current outbreaks. Post-exposure vaccination is recommended for anyone with a known or suspected exposure to a case in the last 14 days. The Specialist GP assesses your eligibility under the National Mpox Vaccination Program at the consult.
How the vaccine works. The Mpox vaccine (Jynneos / Imvanex, also known as MVA-BN) is made from a modified strain of vaccinia virus that cannot replicate in human cells. It was originally developed for smallpox and provides cross-protection against Mpox because the two viruses are closely related. The vaccine is given by subcutaneous injection. Pre-exposure vaccination significantly reduces the chance of Mpox infection; post-exposure vaccination within 4 days of contact may prevent infection or reduce severity if infection occurs.
Schedule for pre-exposure vaccination. Two doses, given at least 28 days apart. Full protection is considered to be established about 2 weeks after the second dose. The Specialist GP gives the first dose at the consult where appropriate and books the second dose. Boosters are not routinely recommended for most people after completing the two-dose course; immune-compromised people may need additional doses depending on their condition.
Schedule for post-exposure vaccination. Vaccination between 4 and 14 days after exposure may still be useful, primarily to reduce severity if infection occurs. The first dose is given at the consult; a second dose follows the 28-day interval if pre-exposure vaccination had not been completed.
What happens at the consult. The Specialist GP takes a focused history (eligibility under the program, exposure context, prior Mpox or smallpox vaccination, allergies, immune status), confirms the right schedule, gives the first dose where appropriate, and records the vaccination on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Other vaccines due at the same time (HPV, Hep A/B, MMR catch-up, flu) can usually be given in the same visit.
Side effects and safety. A sore arm at the injection site is the most common side effect, sometimes with a small red area for a day or so. Some people experience headache, fatigue, or muscle aches for 24 to 48 hours. Rare allergic reactions are managed on site. The vaccine has been used widely in Mpox vaccination campaigns since 2022 with a strong safety profile. People with significant egg allergy or active severe eczema should mention this at the consult so the Specialist GP can confirm the vaccine is appropriate for them.
Vaccination reduces but does not eliminate risk. The Mpox vaccine significantly reduces the chance of infection but does not eliminate it. Continued symptom awareness remains important — any new genital, anal, or perioral sores or rashes are worth getting checked promptly, particularly if you have ongoing risk factors. See our STI testing page for related tests and check-ups.