Aotearoa secures monkeypox medication

26 August, 2022

By Troy Grant

Although there are no active cases of MPX in New Zealand and the risk of widespread transmission is low, Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall says it is important we are prepared. Photo: Canva.

Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall has announced that the government has secured 504 doses of the monkeypox medicine, Tecovirimat. 

However, Aotearoa has not been able to secure a vaccine yet. 

The monkeypox (MPX) medication is set to be available in New Zealand in late September and is expected to help hospitalised patients who are experiencing severe symptoms. 

Although there are no active cases of MPX in New Zealand and the risk of widespread transmission is low, Verrall says it is important we are prepared.

While anyone can get monkeypox, the current outbreak is disproportionately affecting MSM (men who have sex with men). 

Verrall said the government is dedicated to supporting those who could be more impacted by MPX.

“Labour Governments have a long history of supporting Aotearoa’s LGBTQIA+ and takatāpui communities and I hope that this news will alleviate some worry for those who may be at risk if further cases occur in New Zealand."

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