The Metro North Public Health Unit will be hosting two free Mpox vaccination clinics at Wet Spa & Sauna in Bowen Hills. The clinics will run on Tuesday, 4 February, and Tuesday, 4 March, from 2 pm to 4 pm. No bookings are required—walk-ins are welcome.
Importantly, attendees do not need to be patrons of Wet Spa & Sauna or plan to enter the venue. Anyone can access the vaccination service at no cost.
Mpox primarily spreads through very close or intimate contact with someone infected. The vaccine is free, safe, and effective. Two doses, given at least 28 days apart, offer the best protection.
Vaccination is recommended for gay and bisexual men, men who have sex with men, their sexual partners, and sex workers. For those concerned about privacy, individuals can request not to have their Mpox vaccination recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Wet Spa & Sauna is located at 22 Jeays Street, Bowen Hills.
MPOX: Need to know
For those unfamiliar with MPOX, it’s an infectious disease that was first found in humans in 1970. The most common symptoms are pimple-like lesions or sores in a rash on the genitals, face or body. Rectal pain and bleeding or a sore throat may occur without a rash, and some people may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches.
Highly contagious and spread through physical contact, primarily through sex and sexual contact, MPOX has quickly become a focus for sexual health professionals. Many of the people who test positive for MPOX see doctors thinking they have another condition, highlighting the need for better symptom awareness.
“Vaccination rates amongst those most at risk are too low,” Dr Robert Harris, a S100 accredited GP from Paddington Doctors told QNews.
These high risk groups include cis and trans MSM (men who have sex with men), sex workers and their sexual partners.
Treatment and Prevention
“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself,” Dr Harris confirms.
“If you have not previously had 2 doses of the vaccine and come into contact with MPOX, getting vaccinated as soon as possible after exposure can reduce the risk of having a severe illness.”
Whilst fully vaccinated people can still catch MPOX, the symptoms are usually shorter in duration and much less severe.
Although antivirals do exist to help treat MPOX, these are not widely available in Australia and are reserved for immunocompromised patients and those hospitalised with severe symptoms.
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