The UK's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has procured more than 20,000 doses of a smallpox vaccine made by Bavarian Nordic, as cases of monkeypox rise in Europe and beyond, it said on Thursday.
The vaccine is being offered to identified close contacts of people diagnosed with monkeypox to reduce the risk of symptomatic infection and severe illness, UKHSA said in a Twitter post.
In Europe, the Danish company's vaccine is approved only against smallpox, but is being used off-label for monkeypox, while in the United States it has been cleared for use against both smallpox and monkeypox.
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The smallpox and monkeypox viruses are closely related. According to the World Health Organisation, the first generation of smallpox vaccines were up to 85 per cent effective in preventing monkeypox.
It comes as the first cases of monkeypox have now been identified in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Health officials in Wales confirmed their first case on Thursday, while a case has also now been recorded in Northern Ireland.
Dr Giri Shankar, director of health protection for Public Health Wales, said: "We are working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland, and Public Health Agency Northern Ireland, and we are ready to respond to cases of monkeypox in Wales.
"The case is being managed appropriately. To protect patient confidentiality, no further details relating to the patient will be disclosed.
"Everyone is being asked to be aware of the monkeypox symptoms, but it is important that gay and bisexual men are alert as it's believed to be spreading in sexual networks.
"Anyone with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body should contact NHS 111 or call a sexual health service if they have concerns."
There are now believed to be 79 cases of monkeypox in the UK.
The UKHSA will update the totals later on Thursday.
Health officials in Northern Ireland are expected to hold a briefing later on Thursday.
Despite the rise in cases, the UKHSA has said the risk to the overall UK population "remains low".
Gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men are being urged in particular to be aware of symptoms, especially if they have recently had a new sexual partner.
UKHSA teams have been tracing contacts of those with a confirmed case and are advising those at highest risk to isolate for 21 days.
A smallpox vaccine is also being offered to close contacts to reduce their risk of symptoms and severe illness.
