Australia Lifts Age Restriction on Mpox Vaccine, Does Not Recommend Booster

Australia’s vaccine advisory group has removed the age restriction of 18 years and over for the mpox (monkeypox) vaccine.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recently reviewed vaccine guidance in response to an “upsurge of mpox cases in Australia.”
ATAGI said published studies indicate the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine is “moderately to highly effective” at reducing the severity of symptoms.
Rather, the government agency recommended two doses of a mpox vaccine.
“People recommended to receive the mpox vaccine and who received the first dose 28 days ago should receive their second dose as soon as possible to maximise protection,” ATAGI said.
ATAGI noted the first case of mpox was discovered in Australia in May 2022, hitting a peak in Aug. 22 before declining.
“In 2024, there has been a resurgence of clade II cases in Australia. Most cases have been acquired in Australia and a small number have been in people who were fully vaccinated,” ATAGI said.
Mpox signs and symptoms include a distinctive rash, bumps that turn into sores and blisters, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, back pain, chills, and exhaustion.
“The rash may occur on any part of the body, including the face and inside the mouth, the torso, arms and hands, legs and feet, and the genital and perianal regions.”
The second vaccine, ACAM2000, is a live vaccinia virus vaccine developed by Sanofi Pasteur.
The Australian health department states JYNNEOS is the preferred vaccine for use in Australia, due to its “safety profile” and being simpler to administer.
Additionally, ACAM2000 is not suitable for those who are immunocompromised, pregnant or breastfeeding, have cardiac disease or cardiac risk factors or active eczema.
However, JYNNEOS is in limited supply globally and high international demand, according to the Australian government.
“In 2024 numbers have rebounded, indicating that current vaccination levels are too low. Importantly, the strain that has led to a public health emergency in Africa has not been detected in Australia yet.”
Australian National University poxvirus researcher Professor David Tscharke described mpox as a “slow-burning fire” that has been able to smoulder in Central Africa and is flaring up again.
Tscharke said vaccine supplies are “not getting to the places they are needed,” despite the disease being one that “can be stopped” by an existing vaccine.
“It is hoped that the WHO call to action by issuing their notice of concern will turn this around so that the spread of this disease can be stopped,” he said