Government Making Sure Monkeypox Vaccines Get To Where It Is Needed, Says Daniel Andrews
Image: Victoria's Minister for Equality Harriet Shing and Premier Daniel Andrews.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and out gay minister for Equality Harriet Shing said that the public health messaging around monkeypox should not “single out” the LGBTQI community.
“It was noted at the National Cabinet the other day, it’s very important we don’t stigmatise one group in the community. That particular virus, anybody can be infected with that virus and I think it’s important that we don’t single out any one group,” Andrews told the media at a press conference on Tuesday, after the first batch of 3,500 doses of the Monkeypox vaccine arrived in Victoria.
Andrews pointed out that incorrect public health messages can cause harm to communities. “All too often, just in the way we talk about things and the way we describe things we can make difficult situations worse and we can reinforce some of the incorrect stereotypes out there.”
Anyone Can Be Infected With Monkeypox Virus
As of August 9, 2022, around 31,800 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been recorded across the world, since the current outbreak, outside of West and Central Africa where the disease is endemic, was first reported in May 2022. Australia has reported around 57 confirmed and probable cases, with most of them among returned travellers.
Though the current outbreak has been found predominantly among gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, WHO and other health authorities have emphasised that monkeypox is not a “gay disease” and anyone can become infected.
“It’s a small thing but a very important thing because we have had times in our history where we have singled out one particular group of people and that doesn’t do them any good, any good at all. It’s wrong and it’s not factually accurate,” said the Premier, adding, “Anybody can be infected by that virus and that’s why we need to be alert to that.”
Monkeypox Vaccines
Australia this week rolled out third generation Monkeypox vaccines JYNNEOS for those most vulnerable, including at risk gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men.
Premier Andrews said that the government was working to secure supplies of the vaccine. More doses of the vaccine are scheduled to arrive later this year and in 2023.
In Victoria, vaccinations will initially be available from Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Thorne Harbour Health, Northside Clinic, Collins Street Medical Centre and Prahran Market Clinic. Regional Victorians can access vaccination via a regional local public health unit.
“Public health experts and the commonwealth government and our government are working hard to make sure those vaccines get to where they need to be,” said Andrews.
Here’s Where You Can Get The Monkeypox Vaccine In Australia From August 8
Viruses Do Not Discriminate
Equality Minister Harriet Shing, the first lesbian woman in Victorian Parliament, emphasised that it was important for public health messaging to be aware of the stigmatisation of the LGBTQI community in the past.
“Countless LGBTIQ+ people have experienced enormous grief and pain – their avoidable victimisation has led to lasting injury and trauma. It’s crucial that public discussion does not re-inflict trauma of the past, and that conversations and messaging about public health are considered, effective and respectful,” Shing told Star Observer in a statement.
“Viruses do not discriminate, and bitter experience tells us that stigma arising from fear and misinformation can cause untold damage and distress,” the minister added.
Last week, ACT chief minister Andrew Barr, Australia’s only out gay head of government had raised the issue in the National cabinet and said that it was important to get the message out that this was not some “niche disease” that only impacted gay men.
For more information about monkeypox, check Thorne Harbour Health website.
You May Also Like
