With Sydney’s WorldPride taking place later this month, Australians attending the event who are eligible for mpox vaccination are being encouraged to receive a jab. Gay and bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men, are eligible for the vaccine, which offers protection against the virus that has a 95% infection rate among gay and bisexual men. While Australia has effectively eliminated mpox, it could be reintroduced to the country by international visitors who may be carriers of the virus. Over 500,000 people, including thousands of international visitors, are expected to celebrate the event, which includes the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Globally, mpox cases have declined, with Australia recording no new cases this year. However, other non-endemic countries continue to experience low-level transmission, and health authorities are encouraging those at risk of infection to receive the vaccine. Although unlikely, the potential for an outbreak exists, making it a sensible choice for people to take precautions.
Sexual health clinics in Sydney are fully prepared for the increased demand for services during WorldPride, as STIs are on the rise, including antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhoea and syphilis. Attendees are encouraged to prioritize safe sex, and those who take HIV prevention medication should ensure they have adequate supplies. The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected the way people approach sexual health, making it necessary for those who think they may have casual sexual contact to go back onto PrEP to manage their HIV risk appropriately.
