Te Whatu Ora mpox information
The vaccine
This vaccine was developed for the prevention of both smallpox and mpox and has been used around the world in 2022 for the prevention of mpox. The vaccine has a good safety profile and has been recommended by New Zealand’s mpox technical advisory group.
In Aotearoa, the two-dose vaccine is currently given intradermally or subcut according to individual presentation. Common post-intradermal vaccination side effects include local injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling and hardening), muscle aches, headache, fatigue, nausea, chills and more rarely myocarditis and pericarditis. (Note that it is important that people seek help with any cardiac symptoms post vaccination.) The second dose is administered at least 28 days and up to two years after the first dose.
After care
Your patients may require after-care support or information after receiving the vaccine. You can access post-vaccine after-care information on the Bay of Plenty immunisation Clinical Hub here and information about the mpox virus on the Ministry of Health website.
You can access all of the Bay’s immunisation information at any time at www.bopdhb.health.nz/clinical-hub
Eligibility
The vaccine is being offered to those who are at higher risk of exposure to mpox. People who are concerned they may have or could catch mpox should complete an initial assessment on the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa website
Then, people can determine if they should book in for a free consultation to discuss mpox. As part of this consultation, the option of and information about receiving the vaccine will be discussed. Consultations, testing and any treatment options (including vaccination) are free in the Bay of Plenty and throughout the country. Currently, the vaccine can only be administered under section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981, after a consultation with a medical practitioner where informed consent has been given.
Bookings
People who think they may have or could catch mpox can:
• complete an initial assessment on the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa website, or
• call the Bay of Plenty immunisation support team between Monday – Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm on 0800 829 001.
In collaboration with the Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty Sexual Health Service , the Bay of Plenty’s outreach immunisation service team will be calling clients of the Service to offer free consultations to discuss mpox.
Referrals
GPs and hauora providers with access to BestPractice can refer patients to the Bay of Plenty immunisation support team for a confidential call and consultation via the same BestPractice pathway used for COVID-19 referrals. Or, providers can send a secure email to imms@bopdhb.govt.nz; use the subject line ‘Ruapehu Clinic Referral’ and include only the NHI number in the body of the email.
All other healthcare providers and associated services can refer patients to:
• complete an initial assessment on the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa website, or
• call the Bay of Plenty immunisation support team between Monday – Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm on 0800 829 001.
We appreciate the role healthcare providers play in championing and encouraging people to take this step and are grateful for your support.
Delivery
The consultation, consent, and vaccination process will be available to eligible people for FREE via:
A specific clinic within Rangiora, Tauranga Moana Health Hub
Fraser Cove Shopping Centre, 219-261 Fraser Street, Tauranga
Tues, 1 pm-5:45pm
Sat, 9:15 am-1:45 pm
Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance
5 Louvain Street, Whakatāne
Wed, 3 pm-6 pm
Outreach immunisation service teams visiting healthcare providers and homes as invited throughout the Bay of Plenty.
Mpox resources
The vaccine cannot be publicly promoted through traditional communications and advertising at this time; however, resources are available to support your kōrero with patients. We recognise the conversations you have with patients as trusted advisors is paramount to trust in and uptake of this vaccine.
Access the mpox factsheet
Access the mpox poster
You can download free immunisation resources in the National Immunisation Programme Dropbox and print them. If you have any trouble accessing or downloading the files, please contact amy.kemeys@bopdhb.govt.nz.
Thank you for your support in informing people and encouraging uptake of this vaccine throughout the rohe. We will continue to keep you up to date with the latest information. Please send any pātai (questions) to Karen Thomas.
