VACCINATION CALL AS MONKEYPOX CASES RISE
People at risk from the virus - now known as “mpox” - have until June to book their first jab before the vaccination comes to an end this summer
HEALTH officials have urged people at risk of mpox to get their jabs before a vaccination programme comes to an end - after an increase in infections over the last two weeks. During the 2022 outbreak there were 3,553 cases of mpox - formerly known as monkeypox - in England alone, plus a further 97 in Scotland, 48 in Wales, and 34 in Northern Ireland.
A vaccination programme targeting at-risk groups - mainly among gay and bisexual men - was hugely successful in driving cases of the viral disease down.
But the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says there have been 10 new cases in the last two weeks, all in London. Half were in unvaccinated individuals and two in those who had only received one dose. Five of the cases acquired the infection in the UK, four are thought to have picked up the infection abroad and one case remains under investigation.
The new cases bring the number of UK infections since the beginning of the year up to 20.
Now the UKHSA is urging anyone eligible but has yet to receive two doses of the vaccine to come forward and book their first jab by June 16, and their second by the end of July.
Katy Sinka, Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections at UKHSA, said: “It is clear from these latest statistics that mpox has not gone away. While mpox infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms for some so it’s important people remain alert to the risks.
“Vaccination is key to reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing further transmission. Uptake of first doses has been strong but only around a third of those who have received their first dose have had their second dose so far.
“The programme is coming to an end, so we strongly encourage everyone eligible to please come forward for a vaccination if you haven’t yet had one or two doses. Our aim is to eliminate this unpleasant disease from the UK entirely – vaccination and community action have worked very well to significantly reduce case numbers and we can’t let our guard down now.”
An mpox infection is not normally life-threatening but can appear as a painful rash with some patients experiencing flu-like symptoms.
UKHSA data shows that one dose of the vaccine offers 78% protection against the virus from 14 days after receiving it. The second dose is aimed at providing longer-term protection.
Those eligible for the vaccine include gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men who have multiple sexual partners, participate in group sex or attend sex on-premises venues. Staff who work in these premises are also eligible.