Impfservice / Affenpocken
Monkeypox
You can pre-register by calling 1450 daily between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm. More information on monkeypox can be found in the FAQ.
Who should get vaccinated against monkeypox?
The vaccination is not recommended for the masses. A preventative vaccination is only recommended to relatives/close acquaintances of the following groups of persons:
- Health care workers with a high exposition risk from persons with monkeypox (designated monkeypox wards/clinics/practices)
- Persons with individual risk behaviours (persons with numerous different sexual partners)
How can I preregister?
You can pre-register online by choosing the monkeypox pre-registration and then updating the category “monkeypox vaccination pre-registration” in your personal data. You can also pre-register by calling 1450 round the clock. Pre-registered persons will be contacted via email or text message according to the available quotas and the pre-registration category they have entered. You will receive an appointment for your first dose. Should you require a second dose after 28 days, you can book an appointment on site when you get your first dose. The monkeypox vaccination is administered at Austria Center Vienna.
What are monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a notifiable viral disease. The virus is closely related to smallpox, which were eradicated by a resolute worldwide vaccination campaign by 1977. The virus may cause an illness like smallpox in humans. Unlike in the case of smallpox, monkeypox are rarely lethal. Immunodeficient persons, pregnant persons, and children are especially at risk of a severe progression. This service is, of course, free of charge.
How does one get infected?
In Western and Central Africa, monkeypox is transmitted especially via infected animals (rodents and monkeys). Transmission among humans may occur through contact with infectious skin lesions, via the mucous membrane when speaking, coughing, or sneezing during close extended contact, and via bodily fluids, i.e. during sexual contact. Using the same clothes, sanitary products, or office utensils, or even inhaling virus-contaminated dust may cause an infection.
I was in contact with someone who is infected. What to do? (treatment & PEP vaccination)
Treatment occurs according to symptoms. For severe progressions, an antiviral drug is available. Persons with high-risk contact with someone who is infected with monkeypox can get a post-exposition vaccination (PEP, i.e. a vaccination after contact with an infected person) with the Jynneos ® vaccine. The vaccination should be administered as soon as possible after contact, ideally within 4 days (until no later than 14 days post-exposure). Two doses are given with a waiting period of 28 days between doses. Persons who were vaccinated with the then used smallpox vaccine some decades ago only require one dose of the monkeypox vaccine, as a certain degree of immunity can be presupposed. If you require a PEP vaccination, please contact the district health authority responsible for your home district.
How can I protect myself from contracting monkeypox? (PrEP vaccination)
A pre-exposition vaccine is recommended for certain groups of persons. More information on the respective groups of persons can be found in the FAQ. Two doses are given with a waiting period of 28 days between doses. The vaccine is administered intradermally, meaning just below the top layer of the skin. This is a very economical use of the vaccine that means that the same level of protection can be offered to more people. Persons who were vaccinated with the then used smallpox vaccine some decades ago only require one dose of the monkeypox vaccine, as a certain degree of immunity can be presupposed.
Measures to be taken by persons in isolation
What are the symptoms?
After 5 to 14, and at the latest after 21 days, the first symptoms will occur. They include fever, general exhaustion, headaches and aching limbs, gastrointestinal problems, and often also a painful swelling of the lymph nodes. After 1 to 3 days, skin alterations (starting with spots, later lumps, and finally blisters that will scab and heal once the scabs are shed). These skin conditions are often only minor but may hurt and itch. Painful and open wounds may also appear around the genitals. All skin symptoms are infectious until they scab and are shed.
How is monkeypox diagnosed?
The virus can be diagnosed by way of a smear test from the skin or the mucous membrane via PCR method in a special lab. The smear test is performed by medical staff with special protective measures.