WA Health have advised there are a supply of vaccines against monkeypox which are now available.

As such, WA Health are now taking expressions of interest for the vaccine – which you can do here: https://datalibrary-rc.health.wa.gov.au/surveys/?s=8979H44LC3THCTPF&fbclid=IwAR0m5zbmVZUFxirJ2_DgTkxibtkQkCS7mJMstoFes1qqnOE1OAuBdBvFUFU

At present, the monkeypox vaccine is being rolled out to those who are at most at-risk. The vaccine is available free-of-charge, including to people who do not a Medicare card.

They are asking folk to complete this form if:

* They are a West Australian resident, AND
* They are a sexually active gay or bisexual man who has sex with other men; or, a transgender, gender-diverse person, or person who has sex with gay and bisexual men AND,
* Would like the Monkeypox vaccine.

More information about Monkeypox and is available at the following link: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/J_M/Monkeypox

It is important to note that most people that have MPX will experience a mild illness and recover with 2-4 weeks. However, severe illness and death can occur in a small percentage of people.

MPX can affect anybody who comes into close contact with someone with the virus; people who have skin-to-skin or sexual contact with people who have MPX are at the highest risk.

We strongly urge everybody in our community to read the article presented for more information, and to those considered eligible for the vaccine to register their interest, particularly if you are a gay, bisexual, or a man who has sex with other men (GBMSM):

– with HIV;
– on HIV PrEP;
– with immunocompromised conditions;
– experiencing homelessness, transgender, Aboriginal, or have significant drug use;
– has had a sexually-transmitted infection (STI) in the past 12 months;
– have multiple sexual partners;
– participating in group sex, or attending sex-on-premises venues;
– planning travel to a country currently experience outbreak (with a vaccination recommended 4-6 weeks prior to departure);
– a sex worker who has sex with GBMSM.

As always, prevention is key, and Albany Pride would like to strongly reiterate the importance of safe-sex practices. Your health, and the health of our community, matters!