Mpox vax on offer

VACCINATION bookings for mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, have opened at clinics throughout the region.

Grampians Public Health Unit deputy-director Ivan Pang said with the recent rise in overseas cases, it’s important people get their shots.

“Public health practitioners have seen cases of mpox on an international scale since May last year,” he said.

“Preventative vaccination is the key to keeping our communities safe and preventing contraction of the mpox disease.”

Mpox can be contracted through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, objects and people as well as through respiratory droplets.

Clinics that are open for mpox vaccination bookings include Ballarat Community Health, and UFS Medical Ballarat and Springs Medical at Daylesford.

Full protection with the vaccine is received with two doses 28 days apart and takes effect after two weeks.

For people travelling overseas to mpox-prone regions, it is recommended they get the vaccination four to six weeks before departing.

Symptoms for mpox can include rash, sore throat, fever, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes.