Twelve new mpox vaccination sites have opened across England, making it easier for those at higher risk of contracting the infection to get vaccinated. This expansion now means every region will have access to the vaccine, which was previously limited to 19 sites primarily located in London, Brighton, and Manchester.
The NHS is urging individuals who may be eligible for the vaccine to come forward and get protected. The eligibility criteria include men who have sex with men and have multiple sexual partners or engage in group sex, as well as staff working at venues such as clubs or saunas where such activities may occur.
Steve Russell, the NHS national director for vaccination and screening, stated, "The NHS is fully prepared to respond to mpox and the latest cases of Clade 1b, with local services pulling out all the stops to vaccinate those eligible since it first became present in England." He emphasized the importance of easy access to vaccines, saying, "While the risk to the public remains low, it is important to be proactive and get vaccinated if you meet the criteria." Russell encourages those who fall under the eligibility guidelines to visit the NHS website to locate the nearest vaccination site.
With the opening of these twelve additional sites, eligible individuals can now receive the vaccine at locations across the country, including Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield, Sunderland, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Blackpool, Southampton, Bristol, Exeter, and Hatfield. This decision follows closely the identification of the first case of Clade 1b mpox, which is considered distinct from the Clade 2 strain circulating at lower levels since 2022.
Dr. Sema Mandal, consultant epidemiologist and deputy director at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), expressed optimism about the roll-out, saying, "It’s great to see mpox vaccination now available in every region across England, offering gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men at highest risk the opportunity for viable protection against the disease." She continued to stress the urgency of vaccination by stating, "It is now even easier to take up mpox vaccination and so I would urge anyone eligible to come forward and take advantage of this offer."
Mpox, which was formerly known as monkeypox, is primarily transmitted through close physical contact, particularly through any interaction involving mpox blisters or scabs. The symptoms can begin to show anywhere from five to 21 days after infection, typically starting with fever, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by the appearance of skin rashes.
Health officials have reported low numbers of mpox cases since the height of the outbreak, yet they remain vigilant about the disease's presence. The UK Health Security Agency has underscored the need for vaccination as part of broader public health efforts to contain the virus. They also highlight the need for individuals to seek medical advice if they suspect they may have contracted mpox.
Those experiencing symptoms, which can include a rash with blisters, fever, and muscle pain, are advised to seek medical attention immediately and to avoid close contact with others until they receive guidance. Health officials reiterate the potential for transmission through various means, including bodily fluids and contact with contaminated surfaces, making vaccination even more imperative.
By increasing the number of available vaccination sites, the health authorities hope to reduce the risks associated with mpox and protect those most vulnerable. With the risk of COVID-19 potentially compounding the challenges posed by mpox, the integration of public health responses is more important than ever.
With easy access to vaccinations throughout England, health officials are hopeful about the potential to control and eventually eliminate mpox from becoming a widespread public health concern once again. Everyone who meets the eligibility criteria is advised to take this proactive step and get vaccinated.