Twelve new mpox vaccination sites have opened across England,
making it easier for eligible people to get protected.
From this week, every region will be able to offer the vaccine
for those at increased risk of getting the infection – after
previously only being available to those eligible in London,
Manchester and Brighton.
While the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed the
risk from mpox remains low, having more vaccination sites across
the country will improve access to the jabs.
You may be eligible for the mpox vaccine if you are a man who has
sex with men and have multiple partners, participate in group
sex, or attend sex-on-premises venues. Staff at these venues may
also be eligible.
Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a rare infection most
commonly found in parts of central and east Africa.
Clade 2 mpox has been present in the UK since 2022 – case numbers
have decreased since the height of the outbreak in 2022 and
currently remain low. Separately, there has been a small number
of cases of Clade 1b mpox in
this country since October 2024.
Mpox can be passed on from person to person through any close
physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs. Once infected with
mpox, it usually takes between five and 21 days for the first
symptoms to appear.
The first symptoms of mpox include a high temperature, headache,
muscle aches and backache, swollen glands, shivering, exhaustion
and joint pain. A rash usually appears one to five days after the
first symptoms and can be on any part of the body.
If you have had contact with someone who has mpox, the mpox
contact tracing team will contact you. They will check your risk
of catching mpox and tell you if you need an mpox vaccine.
Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccination and
screening, said:
"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, and tens of thousands in priority groups already coming
forward and getting protected.
“While the risk to the public remains low, it is important that
eligible people across England are able to access mpox vaccines
easily, which is why we are now offering the jabs at even more
sites across the country in line with supply.
“So, if you meet the eligibility criteria please come forward and
get protected – simply search on the NHS website to find the
vaccination site closest to you.”
Vaccination appointments will be available at the sites listed on
the NHS online site finder, with
the number expected to increase. The new locations are:
- Birmingham
- Nottingham
- Sheffield
- Sunderland
- Hull
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- Blackpool
- Southampton
- Bristol
- Exeter
- Hatfield, Hertfordshire
This is in addition to 19 sites already vaccinating in:
- London
- Greater Manchester
- Brighton
Dr Sema Mandal, Consultant Epidemiologist and Deputy
Director at UKHSA, said:
“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 vital protection
against the disease. While mpox can be mild for many, it can
cause severe symptoms including unusual rashes with blisters or
sores (ulcers), a fever and headache, so it's important people
remain alert to the risks and the symptoms.
“If you think you may have mpox or notice anything unusual –
new lesions or a rash with blisters – seek medical advice, stay
at home and avoid close contact with other people until you've
been advised what to do.
“Clade 2 mpox cases remain low but have not gone away, and
vaccination plays a key part in our defences. 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.”
Minister of State for Public Health and Prevention,
, said:
“This is great news for people who are eligible for the mpox
vaccine. You can now get your jab at a vaccination site closer to
home.
"If you are eligible for the vaccine, please come forward and get
it. The government, alongside NHS England and UKHSA, is working
hard to make it easier for everyone who needs a jab to get one,
preventing further transmission of mpox.”
More information on mpox is available here.
