A fear of Monkeypox vaccinations running out sparked me to book my first dose of the jab.
The latest figures confirm more than 25,000 people have been vaccinated as part of the strategy to contain the monkeypox outbreak in the UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) believes “these thousands of vaccines, administered by the NHS to those at highest risk of exposure, should have a significant impact on the transmission of the virus”.
With Manchester Pride fast approaching and a weekend away to London - where Monkeypox cases have been most prevalent - I decided it was time to get my first dose of the vaccine. At first, I couldn’t find an appointment available and logged on daily to look. However, last Friday morning there were more appointments posted for the following week. Three slots were free for Monday and Tuesday, each with 20 minutes difference between them. Before confirming my appointment I had to answer a series of questions which determined if I was amongst those who are in the highest risk of infection category which includes gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men. At the time of writing, Liverpool had appointments available whereas Runcorn and Knowsley had “limited slots” available.
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After arriving at Royal Liverpool Hospital, I was guided to the Axess Sexual Health department where I had to confirm my details before being pointed to the waiting room. Surprisingly, I was the only person there for the Monkeypox vaccine but I assumed this was because of the time I went (4:50 pm) as opposed to a lack of LGBTQ+ community members opting to receive the vaccine. I was then called into a separate room, where I received the first jab and the whole process took less than 15 minutes. Similarly to the Covid-19 vaccination, it went into the side of my arm and was advised a “lump” may occur in the area of injection which can be present for up to three weeks. Thankfully, for now anyway, I have experienced no pain or discomfort.
With the BBC confirming that many health centres up and down the country are pausing their vaccination rollout as a result of running out of stocks of the jab, the nurse claimed Liverpool was “ok for now” for doses as they received them later compared to other health centres. Those who have booked or received their vaccine, including myself, are only being offered the first dose due to the limited supply of the MVA vaccine.
Monkeypox is caused by a virus similar to smallpox, therefore vaccines against smallpox are expected to prevent or reduce the severity of the monkeypox infection, according to the Government’s website. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended using the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine more widely to help also reduce the spread of the infection.
A further batch of 100,000 doses, which are being made to order, are expected to become available towards the end of September and those next in line will be offered their first dose as soon as it becomes available. Booking the vaccine can be done online or by phoning your local Axess clinic on 0300 323 1300.
Early symptoms of Monkeypox include high temperature, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen glands, shivering and exhaustion, with a rash usually appearing up to five days after the first symptoms. Monkeypox rarely passes between people but can be passed on via close person-to-person contact or contact with items used by a person who has the virus, such as clothes, bedding or utensils.
The UKHSA guidance for close contacts of a confirmed monkeypox case was updated, meaning close contacts won’t need to isolate at home if they don’t have symptoms. The change was implemented in response to the latest data showing a relatively small number of close contacts have gone on to develop monkeypox and a lack of evidence of transmission outside of close intimate or sexual contact.
For category 2 and category 3 close contacts, the UKSHA now recommend people:
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contact NHS 111 or a sexual health clinic if they develop a fever or any of the other symptoms described below
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avoid skin-to-skin contact with others, such as hugging and kissing
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refrain from sexual or intimate contact
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avoid international travel if possible. Travel insurance may also not be valid for people advised not to travel.
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let health or dental facility staff know they’re a close contact before attending for health or dental care.
For category 3 close contacts they also recommend:
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avoid close contact with children aged under five years, pregnant women and those who have an impaired immune system.
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If they work with children aged under five years, pregnant women or those who have an impaired immune system, UKHSA or their employer might inform them if they need to take time off. This decision will be based on a personalised clinical assessment.
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