Friedman said that while the vaccine was designed for two doses, a single dose lasted for months. With limited supply, Victoria’s initial focus is on providing first doses to high-risk cohorts, although some immunosuppressed people may still be eligible for a second dose.

Eligibility will be broadened when the next shipment arrives in September.

Friedman said: “In the short term, the demand is going to be greater than the supply. In an ideal scenario, we would have had that vaccine earlier.”

The vaccine, which is most effective after two weeks, can prevent transmission of the monkeypox virus but can also be used as a post-exposure treatment.

Vaccination within four days after exposure can stop the close contact developing monkeypox.

More than 26,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported globally, with the vast majority of patients in countries that have not previously dealt with the virus.

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Last week, Dr Nick Medland, president of Australasian Society for HIV Medicine and a Kirby Institute researcher, said the outbreak would begin to slow after 75,000 members of the affected communities had received their first dose of the vaccine. He said the virus might not be eliminated until 250,000 doses had been administered.

Friedman said the goal was elimination, and she did not expect everybody would need to get vaccinated against monkeypox.

The virus spreads through prolonged and often intimate skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. The outbreak has disproportionately affected men who have sex with men, but it can be transmitted to anyone who has prolonged contact with someone with monkeypox.

Monkeypox begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches and muscle aches and pains. It causes a blistering rash and swollen lymph nodes.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the vaccine was highly effective.

“Initial eligibility for vaccination is limited to priority at-risk groups,” she said. “However, with more vaccines set to arrive later this year, we will work with the Commonwealth to ensure all Victorians who need a vaccination get one.

“Anyone who develops symptoms should immediately seek medical care, wear a mask and call ahead to make sure they can be isolated away from others.”