Rise in mpox cases spurs encouragement for vaccinations

Thorne Harbour Health is encouraging gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men to ensure they’re up to date on their mpox vaccinations amid a rise in cases nationally.

The Victorian health organisation, which last year won an award for its community-led health response to mpox, shared in a press release today that cases are up as winter approaches.

Over 100 cases have been reported across Australia in 2026 so far, but 65 were reported in the past six weeks in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

As a result, Thorne Harbour Health is encouraging the community to add the mpox vaccination to their health checklist this winter.

“While our communities have done well to keep mpox cases down, the reality is that it hasn’t disappeared entirely. Unfortunately, this is the time of year when we have seen a spike in cases in both the 2022 and 2024 outbreak,” Caleb Hawk, Deputy Director of Health Promotion and Community Engagement, said in a press release.

 

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Making the mpox vaccination part of your healthcare

With previous patterns of spiking mpox cases during winter in mind, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of a holistic healthcare checklist heading into the cooler months, when cold, flu and COVID cases also tend to rise.

As such, health experts at Thorne Harbour recommend considering the mpox vaccination alongside other seasonal jabs and regular sexual health checks — especially for those who haven’t had both doses.

“Many people book in for flu vaccines around this time of year. Our message is simple: if you haven’t had your mpox vaccine, or haven’t completed the second dose, ask about it while you’re there,” Hawk explains.

What is mpox, and how to spot it

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the mpox virus. It spreads via skin-to-skin contact, including during sex. It can cause painful rashes or pimple-like lesions, fevers, and swollen lymph nodes, but is both preventable and treatable.

The mpox vaccine is the most effective safeguard against the disease. In Australia, it’s free for eligible groups, including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, transgender and gender diverse people, sex workers, and more — regardless of Medicare or visa status.

Mpox often starts with flu-like symptoms similar to COVID or the flu, and typically progresses to rashes, spots or lesions.

“If you see a suspicious spot or lesion, get it checked out,” Hawk recommends. “It is still possible to acquire mpox even if you’re fully vaccinated, but symptoms tend to be milder.”

Keeping our community safe

While the recent rise in mpox cases should encourage vigilance, Thorne Harbour maintains that it’s important to avoid the panic, stigma and shame that can accompany conversations around health in the queer community. What matters is prioritising your health so that others can do the same — by staying on top of health checks and vaccinations, and seeing your GP about any concerns.

“This is about keeping ourselves, our partners, and our communities safe without creating panic or shame around sex, socialising, or community connection,” Hawk says.