28th November 2022
Kia ora koutou
Monkeypox (MPX) antiviral access criteria guidance Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand have made available tecovirimat for the treatment of MPX in Aotearoa New Zealand. To target the 504 courses of tecovirimat to those at increased risk of severe outcomes from MPX the following access criteria were developed by Te Pou Hauora Tūmatanui Public Health Agency (PHA). The access criteria were prepared by the PHA, under guidance from their Expert Advisory Network. The full advisory document, attached to this update, contains additional information including a literature review and international scan from the Intelligence, Surveillance and Knowledge group within the PHA. Given antiviral therapy has become available before access to preventative vaccine in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is hoped that availability of tecovirimat may reduce the burden of disease in a potential outbreak. This is reflected in the access criteria which allow for some clinical discretion and flexibility for use in the community (before hospitalisation is required). Access criteria: 1. Cases are either: 1.1. microbiologically confirmed OR 1.2. clinically considered to be highly likely (usually pending microbiology testing results) based on the clinical presentation and exposure history (e.g., symptomatic close contacts). AND 2. there are signs of active lesions AND 3. the case is either: 3.1. requiring hospital care OR 3.2. in a high-risk group for severe outcomes (complications or hospitalisation) e.g. • immunocompromised or immunosuppressed people OR • children (particularly under 10yrs of age) OR • pregnant people OR • older adults (e.g., 60yrs and older or 50yrs and older for Māori and Pacific peoples)