In a significant move to bolster public health, twelve new mpox vaccination sites have been launched across England.
This development ensures that eligible individuals nationwide can now receive the vaccine, a protection measure previously limited to London, Manchester, and Brighton. From this week, every region in England will have sites available for those deemed at increased risk of contracting mpox.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reiterated that the risk from mpox remains low. However, expanding the number of vaccination sites will improve accessibility, ensuring broader protection against the virus.
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. Additionally, staff at these venues may also be eligible for the vaccination.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare infection primarily found in parts of central and east Africa. In the UK, Clade 2 mpox has been present since 2022, with case numbers significantly decreasing since the outbreak's peak that year. A few cases of Clade 1b mpox have been recorded in the UK since October 2024.
The virus can spread from person to person through close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs. After exposure, it typically takes between 5 and 21 days for the first symptoms to manifest. These initial symptoms include a high temperature, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen glands, shivering, exhaustion, and joint pain. A rash often appears 1 to 5 days after the onset of these symptoms and can affect any part of the body.
NHS National Director for Vaccination and Screening, Steve Russell, 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 can be booked via the NHS online site finder. The newly launched vaccination sites include:
- Birmingham
- Nottingham
- Sheffield
- Sunderland
- Hull
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- Preston
- Southampton
- Bristol
- Exeter
- Hatfield, Hertfordshire
These locations are in addition to the 19 existing sites in London, Greater Manchester, and Brighton.
This expansion marks a critical step in making the mpox vaccine more accessible and ensuring that those at higher risk are adequately protected.
Image credit: iStock
