Monkeypox Vaccine Availability and Recommendations in Australia

Strategic Insights -

As Australia faces its first outbreak of monkeypox, the country has only one vaccine available that protects against the virus: ACAM2000, a smallpox vaccine that also offers protection against monkeypox. The vaccine is being stockpiled and distributed to states and territories, but not everyone needs to get vaccinated. The World Health Organization has declared the spread of monkeypox a global health emergency, highlighting the need for access to effective vaccines.

Key Takeaways:

  • ACAM2000, a smallpox vaccine, is the only vaccine registered for use in Australia that protects against monkeypox.
  • The vaccine is available through the national medical stockpile and is being distributed to states and territories.
  • Not everyone needs the vaccine, as most healthy people recover from monkeypox within a few weeks.
  • The vaccine cannot be used in severely immunocompromised people, as it can cause rare but serious side-effects.
  • Pregnancy should be avoided for 28 days following vaccination.
  • The vaccine is recommended for healthcare workers, laboratory workers, and high-risk close contacts of monkeypox cases.
  • The ACAM2000 vaccine is made from the vaccinia virus, which is a type of pox virus related to smallpox and monkeypox.
  • The vaccine stimulates the immune system to develop antibodies that can help the body recognize and fight an infection if exposure to monkeypox occurs.
  • There is a risk that the vaccinia virus can be transmitted from the wound site to close contacts, particularly in severely immunocompromised individuals.
  • A systematic review suggests that protection offered against smallpox virus may last more than 20 years after vaccination.
  • Those who have previously received a smallpox vaccine are likely to have some residual protection and are not currently recommended to be revaccinated with ACAM2000.

Statistics:

  • Over 70 countries are now affected by monkeypox outbreaks.
  • ACAM2000 is the only vaccine registered for use in Australia that protects against monkeypox.
  • The vaccine is available through the national medical stockpile.
  • The vaccine is being distributed to states and territories.
  • Not everyone needs the vaccine, as most healthy people recover from monkeypox within a few weeks.
  • The vaccine cannot be used in severely immunocompromised people, as it can cause rare but serious side-effects.
  • Pregnancy should be avoided for 28 days following vaccination.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization: "Monkeypox"
  • Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (Atagi): "Monkeypox"
  • National Centre for Immunization Research and Surveillance: "Monkeypox"