The NHS has rolled out an interactive online vaccine site finder, making it as easy as possible for those who are eligible to get their monkeypox jab.
The launch of the new online site finder means that anyone eligible in England can find their nearest vaccination centre and get an appointment – the UK Health Security Agency and the UK Consensus Group estimate that 95,000 people are eligible for the vaccine, but only half of those are in contact with sexual health services.
Those at greatest risk of exposure include high-risk gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with other men, as well as frontline staff and people who have been in close contact with a confirmed case.
Steve Russell, NHS Director of Vaccinations and Screening, said: “The NHS is redoubling its efforts to get people who are most likely to get monkeypox vaccinated and with half of those eligible in contact with sexual health services and continuing to be invited, now is the time to come forward for a first dose via the finder if you haven’t already.
“While we know the risk of monkeypox remains low, it is important that if you are eligible, you protect yourself and those around you wherever possible, and this new NHS site finder makes it easier than ever to join the nearly 50,000 who are protected from monkeypox.”
With 50,000 people already being vaccinated against monkeypox, there are almost 100 vaccination sites up and down England allowing people to get their jab confidentially and efficiently.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “It’s encouraging that we are continuing to see significantly fewer cases of Monkeypox reported in the UK.
“However, it remains vital that people are alert to the risk Monkeypox poses and take action to protect themselves and others. This vital new service will help make it easier for those at highest risk to get vaccination appointments.”
Click here to access the online site finder.
