Mpox vaccine rollout will end this summer as eligible Brits urged to get last doses
ELIGIBLE Brits are being urged to get an mpox vaccine before the rollout winds down this summer.
The fall in cases of the virus means a targeted jab programme is no longer needed, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
First doses will continue to be available to gay and bisexual men at highest risk from mpox until June 16, with second doses until the end of July.
After 3,732 mpox cases were recorded when the virus surged last year, just six new infections have been spotted since the turn of 2023 up to February 27.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, of the UKHSA, said: “Whilst 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.
“I would urge everyone that’s eligible to come forward for both doses so they have maximum long lasting protection.”
Mpox — previously called monkeypox — vaccines have helped limit the outbreak and reduce symptoms, which include a rash, high temperature, headache and exhaustion.
The rash may not appear for up to five days after the first symptoms and usually starts as raised spots that turn into small blisters filled with fluid.
The virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, and was particularly prevalent in gay and bisexual men.
Prior to spreading around the world last year, with outbreaks in Europe and the US, the virus was primarily found in west and central Africa.
Infections are usually mild and rarely fatal, with no deaths recorded in Britain.
Health Secretary, Steve Barclay: “It’s really positive to see the numbers of mpox cases continuing to decline, these results prove that our targeted approach to vaccination rollout has had real impact.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
If you get infected with mpox, it usually takes between 5 and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear.
The first symptoms of mpox include:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- shivering (chills)
- exhaustion
- joint pain
A rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms. The rash often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body. This can include the mouth, genitals and anus.
You may also have anal pain or bleeding from your bottom.
Source: The NHS
“With thanks to our healthcare professionals and frontline workers for administering vaccinations our initiative has been effective in protecting those people most at risk against this debilitating disease.
“Whilst mpox cases have fallen, I urge anyone who is eligible for vaccines to come forward and have them before the programme winds down this summer.”
Steve Russell, NHS director of vaccinations and screening, said: “The speed and precision of the NHS vaccination drive against Mpox has led to a drastic reduction in transmission of the virus among the community and we are now — thanks to NHS staff and sexual health services — in a position to wind down the programme.
“There is still time to get your first and second doses if you haven’t already which will provide long-term protection against the virus and any possible future outbreaks so please do book an appointment while the offer is available on the NHS.”