Mpox Cases Surge in Australia, Experts Urge Vaccination Amid Low Uptake
People eligible for mpox vaccinations are being urged to get them as cases surge across Australia, swelling from a handful to hundreds in the space of a few months. More than 600 cases have been notified to federal authorities in the current reporting quarter, as of Friday, amid an explosion in the virus worldwide. This represents a significant increase from only six confirmed cases in the first three months of 2024.
The Rise of Mpox in Australia
The number of mpox cases in Australia has increased by more than 570 per cent since July, according to federal data. This surge in cases is attributed to the spread of the virus in outer metro areas, where vaccination rates are lower. These figures, published by the Department of Health, show that there have been 724 confirmed cases of mpox in Australia from July to September 26, the largest number recorded in the country in a quarter.
The majority of cases are among men, although two women have also been diagnosed. The vast majority of cases are in New South Wales and Victoria, with NSW accounting for more than half of the country's mpox notifications this year so far.
Vaccination Rates Remain Low
Despite the surge in cases, vaccination rates for mpox remain low. The preferred mpox vaccine, known as Jynneos, is widely available in the country. Recommended to be administered in two doses, the vaccine doesn't entirely prevent mpox but it has been shown to reduce the severity of its symptoms.
According to federal health data, there have been 106,519 vaccine doses administered in Australia, with 22,795 vaccine doses administered this year so far — less than 6,000 being in NSW. Research mirrors these findings. According to a UNSW survey of 4,252 gay and bisexual men in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, only 42 per cent were fully vaccinated, while 26 per cent of those who had more than 10 recent sexual partners were unvaccinated.
Why are Vaccination Rates Low?
Several factors are contributing to the low uptake of the mpox vaccine, including:
- Stigma: Some gay and bisexual men are reluctant to get vaccinated because they fear being outed or stigmatized. The method of administering mpox vaccinations in 2022 left a distinct discolouration at the injection site that lasted weeks, raising concerns that those vaccinated could be publicly outed.
- Lack of awareness: Some people are not aware of the risks of mpox or the availability of the vaccine.
- Barriers to access: Some people may have difficulty accessing healthcare, particularly in outer metro areas.
Public Health Officials Urge Vaccination
Public health officials are urging people who are eligible for the mpox vaccine to get it. They are also working to increase awareness of the virus and the importance of vaccination. “Ensuring high levels of vaccination in our communities provides us with the greatest protection against mpox in the future, and prevents larger outbreaks from occurring,” said Matthew Vaughan, the director of HIV and sexual health at community advocacy organisation ACON.
Moving Forward
Australia's public health system is working to address the challenges posed by the surge in mpox cases. Efforts are being made to increase vaccination rates, particularly among those who are most at risk. The goal is to prevent further outbreaks and protect the health of Australians.
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance
The increase in mpox cases in Australia serves as a reminder of the importance of public health measures, including vaccination, to protect individuals and communities. While the current strain of the virus appears to be less severe than the one that caused the global health emergency in 2022, vigilance is essential to prevent further outbreaks and safeguard the health of Australians.
