Additional supplies of vaccines that protect people from monkeypox have been secured by the federal government.
More than 40 cases have been recorded nationwide, and last month Australia's Chief Medical Officer declared the virus a "communicable disease incident of national significance".
The federal health department says monkeypox (also known as MPX) is usually mild, and people typically recover within a few weeks.
However some people can become severely ill, especially if they are immunocompromised.
Transmission occurs after close contact with lesions or body fluid of an infected person and so far most cases have been among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
Symptoms include a rash, which typically starts on the face and spreads to areas including hands, feet and chest.
Some people have reported rashes in their genital areas, as well as flu like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches and joint pain.
Monkeypox prevention and treatment
People who contract monkeypox are required to isolate until their sores fully clear, which can be up to 21 days.
There are two types of smallpox vaccine that can be used to protect against MPX in Australia and while not recommended for everyone, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has listed five key groups that are eligible including
- Anyone considered high risk of being in contact with monkeypox in the past 14 days, such as healthcare workers, laboratory staff who work with the smallpox or monkeypox virus
- Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men who have a high number of sexual contacts or live with HIV
- Sex workers, particularly those whose clients are in high-risk categories
- Anyone in the above categories who is planning travel to a country where there is a significant outbreak
- Immunisation providers who are administering the ACAM2000 smallpox vaccine
Australia has a stockpile of ACAM2000, which can be used before or after exposure to monkeypox.
Known as a second generation vaccine, it cannot be used in severely immunocompromised people and those with active eczema or pregnant women.
Unlike a regular vaccine, people who receive the jab are required to take extra precautions and cover the injection site until the scab falls off.
There are also rare but serious side effects associated with the single dose vaccine and health workers need specialised training to administer it.
There is an alternative option known as JYNNEOS, which is a third generation vaccine and limited supplies have been secured by both federal and state governments.
It is the preferred vaccine for use because it has fewer potential adverse events and is easier to administer.
Health Minister Mark Butler has confirmed that the government has now secured additional doses.
"We've secured supplies of new third generation vaccines," he said in a statement.
The Minister is expected to outline further details today about the doses and when they will arrive.
On Wednesday he insisted that the government and health department had been keeping a close eye on the evolving situation.
"We've been working very hard with peak providers in this area, particularly groups like FAO, the Federation of AIDS Organisations," he said on Wednesday.
"The clinicians in this area and many others who have a particular interest in the Monkeypox outbreak across the world.
"Chief Health Officers have been in regular discussion about our response."
