Mpox Vaccinations Continue For Now in England

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently announced anyone eligible for Mpox vaccination is urged to come forward for the vaccine in the coming months to protect themselves before the summer of 2023.

People eligible but have not yet received two doses of Bavarian Nordic's JYNNEOS® (MVA-BN) vaccine are encouraged to book their first dose by June 16, 2023, and be booked in for their second dose by the end of July 2023.

In England, about 6,619 people have received their second dose since the program began in June 2022.

Mpox cases have fallen across the UK from a high of 350 per week in July 2022 to just six new cases in 2023. Three people acquired mpox while in the UK, and three were returning travelers.

Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director, Public Health Programmes at UKHSA, commented in a media release on March 22, 2023, "While mpox infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms for some, so it's important people remain alert to the risks."

"Vaccination is key to reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing further transmission."

"Uptake of first doses has been strong, but only around a third of those who have received their first dose have had their second dose so far."

"I would urge everyone eligible to come forward for both doses so they have maximum long-lasting protection."

The "UKHSA will monitor cases of mpox very closely and will re-establish the vaccination program if we need to."

MpoxToday.com publishes updated news as of March 26, 2023.