Abstract

Overview of key points 

  • ATAGI now recommends pre-travel vaccination for anyone (regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity) who may undertake sexual risk activities during travel to countries with transmission of clade I mpox.
  • The ATAGI recommendations for mpox vaccination have been updated to remove the age restriction; people of all ages who are at risk of exposure to mpox are recommended to receive the mpox vaccination.
  • ATAGI is continuing to closely monitor emerging evidence on use of mpox boosters. Currently, ATAGI does not recommend booster doses of the mpox vaccine for people who are fully vaccinated (that is, 2 doses administered at least 28 days apart), including those who are severely immunocompromised.
  • ATAGI has been monitoring evolving mpox epidemiology in Central Africa and other affected regions. Currently, ATAGI does not recommend vaccination for all people travelling to areas where mpox transmission is occurring, including endemic areas in Africa with clade Ib transmission, only those people referred to above. However, all travellers to risk areas should be aware of the need for general precautions.
  • Published studies suggest that the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine is moderately to highly effective in reducing the severity of symptoms associated with mpox infection in fully vaccinated individuals. Two doses of an mpox vaccine provides higher protection than a single dose. People who received the first dose >28 days ago should receive their second dose as soon as possible to maximise protection.
  • Additional booster doses (i.e. in addition to the two primary doses) are not recommended by ATAGI at this time.
  • Ensuring more eligible people are fully vaccinated is essential to provide protection against severe disease/clinical manifestations associated with infection. Vaccination can also reduce the risk of onwards transmission to other at-risk individuals and communities.
  • Recommendation
  • Western Pacific
  • Australia
  • Mpox