cohealth opens free mpox vaccine service in Footscray

Following a resurgence of mpox cases reported in the Melbourne Local Government Areas of Maribyrnong and Wyndham, the mpox vaccine will be available at cohealth Footscray (78 Paisley Street) from now until Saturday 28 June 2025. 

Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a viral infection that spreads by close or intimate skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox. Symptoms are usually mild, and most people recover without treatment within a few weeks. However, some people may develop severe illness and require hospitalisation. 

Two doses are required for optimal protection and can be given 28 days apart. The mpox vaccine takes approximately 14 days before it is effective. 

Who can get the mpox vaccine? 

You can get the mpox vaccine for free if you are: 

• a high-risk close contact of someone with mpox. Post-exposure treatment should preferably be accessed within four days of close contact. 

• a man, non-binary person or trans person who has sex with men or trans men and are at increased risk of contracting mpox. This includes people who:
  

• • are living with HIV 
  • are taking HIV PrEP medication 
  • have recently had multiple sexual partners, participated in group sex, or attended a sex on premises venue 
  • have been recommended to get the mpox vaccine by a health care provider 

• a sex worker, particularly with clients who are in high-risk categories listed above. 

• at greater risk of a poor clinical outcome from mpox infection, such as people who are immunocompromise. 

• an immunisation provider who administering the smallpox vaccine. 

• a laboratory worker who analyses specimens from mpox cases.