Health officials are extending vaccinations for mpox in London after recording a fresh spike in cases in the capital in recent weeks, mostly among unvaccinated people.
The national mpox outbreak vaccination programme run by the UK Health Security Agency is due to close at the end of July, but shots will be made available in the capital beyond this date after the detection of 11 new cases, officials said.
Most of the recent cases of the viral disease, formerly known as monkeypox, were in unvaccinated people, while three infections were found in individuals who had received only one dose of the vaccine that requires two shots to achieve maximum protection.
London has been the focus for the majority of UK mpox cases this year. The infections are spreading primarily through interconnected sexual networks of gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men, the UKHSA said.
“It is vital we respond to recent rises in cases, and that is why we are extending mpox vaccinations in London,” said Prof Susan Hopkins, the chief medical adviser at the UKHSA. “If you live in London or regularly travel there or abroad and have sex and are eligible for vaccination, please do consider it.”
The agency is monitoring new cases for signs of fresh clusters and working with NHS England on alternative options to provide mpox vaccinations across the country, particularly when local outbreaks occur.
The extension to the vaccination programme means that those eligible for the jab who do not live in London, but who regularly travel there or abroad to have sex, can book an appointment in the capital to receive the vaccine.
Eligible people include gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men who have multiple sexual partners, participate in group sex or attend sex on premises venues. Staff who work in these premises are also eligible, the agency said.
Mpox infections soared last year after the first cases of a global outbreak were detected in the UK in spring 2022. More than 80,000 people have been affected in more than 100 countries. While mpox infection is mild for many people, it can cause rashes and blisters, fever and headaches, and more serious conditions such as brain inflammation and seizures. Vaccination helps to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent people from spreading it further.
“We strongly encourage all those eligible to book an appointment to receive an mpox vaccination, especially given the worrying recent spike in cases,” said Dr Claire Dewsnap, the president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV. “One dose of the vaccine provides protection against the virus and the second dose can further prevent severe symptoms and transmission. This is particularly important as we move into the summer months, during which festivals and events are more common, increasing the likelihood for people to have multiple sexual partners.”
