MONKEYPOX JABS STORM
Pride director hits out at lack of information
Men are travelling to London t o ge t vaccinated against monkeypox due to “over s t ret ched” services and a lack of information in Scotland.
Campaigners and health charities have told the Sunday Mail that there is concern among the gay community about the lack of public health guidance.
While the majority of cases in the UK are in London, the number in Scotland is rising steadily with 67 cases detected as of August 4.
Gay and bisexual men are most commonly affected.
Despite the virus being declared a global emergency, the Scottish Government has been blasted for failing to take more meaningful action.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has mentioned it in
Parliament during one debate and on social media just twice.
Euan McLeod, executive director of Glasgow’s Pride, said: “When people are hearing that this has been declared an emergency, and not much is happening outside of London, it is worrying for people in our communities. You can walk into any bar and find leaflets about Covid but nothing about monkeypox.
“As a result of the lack of information, people are turning to social media to share advice and their experiences.
“I also know of several people who are travelling to London
to queue up for vaccines, as there is no capacity to do that here.”
According to the latest data from Public Health Scotland, 3000 doses of the smallpox vaccine, which is 85 per cent effective against monkeypox, have been allocated to Scotland from UK stockpiles. Scot t ish Tor y public health spokeswoman Te s s Wh i t e said: “SNP Ministers cannot be complacent.
“It is incredibly disappointing that those who may be affected feel they are not getting the support they need from those in charge.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “People who are considered to be at risk are being offered the vaccine.
“This includes those gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) at highest risk of exposure and healthcare workers.
“Health promotion activity is currently taking place to inform affected communities.”