Hi guys,
Are you aware that we are again seeing a number of cases of M-Pox locally in a number of states? It is important to know some basic information about M-Pox, Signs and Symptoms and getting Vaccinated especially if you are engaging in sex with men. The information below will give you some information on what to look out for and how to protect yourself and your partners.
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral infection that can affect anyone. The virus can make you feel unwell, and develop painful rashes, lesions or sores. While most people will recover within a few weeks getting vaccinated will reduce the symptoms and help stop major outbreaks within local communities.
Mpox can include flu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache and fatigue, as well as rashes, lesions or sores. People may experience all or only a few of these symptoms, ranging from mildly unwell to very unwell — with pain that needs medical attention.
Rashes, lesions or sores might be in hard-to-see areas, including around genitals, around or inside the ass (anal and rectal areas), or in the mouth and throat. They may also be on the face, palms, arms, chest, back and legs.
These rashes, lesions, or sores can look different from person to person. They might even look like pimples or blisters or be mistaken for herpes or syphilis symptoms.
Vaccinations are recommended for:
Sexually active guys into other guys who have multiple sexual partners, use hook-up apps or attend sex-on-premises venues, sex parties or beats.
People who have sex with gay or bisexual men (including cis or trans women or non-binary people)
The mpox vaccine is free to eligible people with or without Medicare. If you have Medicare, bring your Medicare card to your appointment.
The JYNNEOS® vaccine is safe, effective and free to eligible people. It’s also suitable for people living with HIV and those with weakened immune systems.
One dose of vaccine is good at protecting you from mpox. It takes 2 weeks for the vaccine to provide good protection. Maximum protection occurs around 2 weeks after your second dose.
Where to get the free vaccine?
If you are in Melbourne, you can get the vaccine through Thorne Harbour Health, they are currently running free clinics every Thursday and Saturday you can book via this link: https://mpox.thorneharbour.org/ (copy and paste into your browser if it does not automatically work).
Thursdays Clinics you can walk in and wait.
Clinic Times and Locations
Thursday:
Walk-in (no appointment required)
5pm - 9pm
Thorne Harbour Health
200 Hoddle St, Abbotsford VIC 3067.
Saturday:
Bookings only (appointments required)
9am - 3pm
Thorne Harbour Health
200 Hoddle St, Abbotsford VIC 3067.
If you think you may have M-Pox contact your GP or a Sexual Health Service via phone before attending any clinic as it is very easy to pass M-Pox from person to person (Hence why sexual contact is one of the main ways in which it is spread).
Outside of Melbourne check out this link to find the closest vaccination clinic near you:
Use the Emen8 'Find a Service' interactive map and filter by 'Monkeypox Vaccination' to find a clinic near you across Australia.
https://emen8.com.au/find-a-service/
Wherever you choose to go the vaccine is free, you don't need to have a Medicare Card to get it and it is important that you get the 2 shots 28 days apart.
For more info go to:
https://thorneharbour.org/sexual-health/mpox/
or
https://emen8.com.au/health/sexual-health/what-is-monkeypox-and-what-does-it-mean-for-guys-in-australia/
We will post more info and updates on M-Pox in the Forums, if you have any questions, post a reply and we will try to get the answers within 24hrs.
The DALE Team