Monkeypox Updates And How To Stay In The Know
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As the monkeypox virus (MPXV) has begun to spread through local contact in both NSW and Victoria, it’s crucial for everyone to stay informed and up to date with the latest information. This is especially true for gay and bisexual men who are still being classed as a high risk group for contraction, reports The Guardian.
A RUNDOWN ON WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Initially an endemic disease to Central and West Africa, monkeypox is a virus that causes influenza-like symptoms before evolving into lesions that appear on the body and face. Earlier this year, cases of the rare disease began showing up in Europe and then the US.
According to Thorne Harbour Health’s page on MPXV, monkeypox has an incubation period of 1-2 weeks through to 21 days in some cases. It’s transmitted through prolonged skin to skin contact with an infected person or their clothing and objects if they have scabs, lesions or sores.
Although the outbreak has been identified primarily among groups of men who have sex with other men, it’s important to note that this virus doesn’t solely afflict members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Furthermore, it is speculated by Thorne Harbour Health that the reason behind this is more gay and bisexual men who are sexually active seek out STI testing and health advice.
Being aware of your HIV status is also important. For those who are living with HIV and are medicated with antiretrovirals are at no higher risk than others, but if a person is immunocompromised and not on any antiretrovirals the contraction of MPXV could be more severe.
THE VACCINE SITUATION IN AUSTRALIA
Monkeypox is closely related to the smallpox virus for which there is a vaccine in stock called ACAM2000. This vaccine contains the active virus vaccinia and was administered worldwide in a global campaign to eradicate smallpox in the ’80s. ACAM2000 is effective at preventing monkeypox but is unsuitable to administer to immunocompromised people and those who are pregnant, reports The Guardian.
The alternative monkeypox vaccine called Jynneos uses a modified version of the vaccinia virus for immunisation and has less concerning side-effects. Although Jynneos has been approved in multiple other countries, it has not been reviewed by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration.
With the Covid-19 pandemic still a significant concern, the public recalls how ineffective vaccine rollout was. Concerns were raised in Victoria after eligible recipients of the monkeypox vaccine weren’t able to access a shot. Australia has managed to secure 450,000 Jynneos doses and will start to roll them out with NSW receiving 3,500 and 5,500 being provided to Victoria. By September, NSW will receive 30,000 and Victoria will get 20,000.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?
According to Thorne Harbour Health, to be eligible for a vaccine you must meet the criteria.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis for close contacts of Monkeypox cases (within 4 days);
- HIV-negative and HIV-positive sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM MSM) (including cis and trans men);
- With an STI in the last 12 months OR
- Intending to engage in sexual practices during overseas travel to Europe or North America before 31 October OR
- Who attend sex on premises venues
- Sexually active GBM MSM (including cis and trans men) who are homeless, or have significant drug use or psychiatric illness; and
- Sex workers who engage in sex with GBM MSM.
To register your interest in getting an MPXV vaccine, visit NSW Health or register interest with Thorne Harbour Health via their online form.
October 15, 2022 Post Updated to add #sponsored donation
