High-risk gay men to be given monkeypox jab

Monkeypox vaccines are to be offered to gay and bisexual men who “participate in group sex” or have multiple partners, health officials have announced.

As the UK recorded 219 new infections, taking the total to 793 cases, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said others to be offered the vaccine will be those attend “sex on premises” venues, or who have recently had an STI.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at UKHSA, said: “By expanding the vaccine offer to those at higher risk, we hope to break chains of transmission and help contain the outbreak.”