Free, Private Mpox Jabs Now Available At Perth Steam Works As Cases Rise
Perth’s famous man-to-man venue, Perth Steam Works is taking the initiative in the face of rising mpox cases. The club is offering free mpox vaccinations. This proactive move comes as Western Australia reports 14 mpox cases since August.
“We want to reach those who need it most,” says Perth Steam Works owner Mike Drummond. His venue provides weekly doctor-administered vaccines in a private setting.
The venue’s previous vaccination program in 2022 delivered over 1,000 shots. That effort helped prevent local transmission in Western Australia.
The venue is also offering free prescriptions for doxy prep, a morning-after pill that involves taking an oral dose of the antibiotic doxycycline to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Drummond says visitors do not need to pay entry fee into the venue to access these services.
What You Need to Know About Mpox
Mpox spreads through close contact with skin, body fluids, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically start like the flu before developing into sores or rashes. Recovery usually takes two to four weeks.
Dr Fergus McCabe from the West Australian AIDS Council’s M Clinic confirms the program’s effectiveness. “We’re seeing about two to three active cases weekly,” he says. The venue also offers prescriptions for pre- and post-exposure medication.
The vaccination requires two doses, given 28 days apart. All services are free and accessible without appointment.
Current data shows most Australian cases are in Victoria and New South Wales. Western Australia aims to stay ahead of potential outbreaks through these community-based healthcare initiatives.
Perth Steam Works is a popular venue for LGBTQIA+ men, offering a nightclub atmosphere within a sex-on-premise venue. Find them at perthsteamworks. com
