Monkeypox vaccine provided to at-risk gay and bisexual men

Health officials recommend that some gay and bisexual men at high risk of exposure to monkeypox should be provided with a vaccine that helps control the recent outbreak of the virus.

Vaccination strategies published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Yesterday, we recommended that the smallpox vaccine Imvanex, which has been shown to be effective against monkeypox, be provided to men who are considered to be at high risk of exposure.

Patients were told to postpone contacting the NHS about vaccination until guidance on how vaccination is provided is available.

By June 20, there were 793 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the United Kingdom.

Monkeypox is not currently defined as a sexually transmitted disease, but it can be transmitted by close and intimate contact that occurs during sexual activity.

UKHSA said, “Anyone can be infected with monkeypox, but data from recent outbreaks show higher levels of infection within the sexual network of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Is shown. ”

Vaccine eligibility for an individual “depends on many factors, but is similar to the criteria used to assess eligibility for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but applies regardless of HIV status. “Masu,” said UKHSA.

“Clinicians may, for example, advise vaccination to people who have multiple partners, participate in group sex, or participate in” on-premises sex “venues. ”

Health officials have seen a “significant proportion of cases” in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, despite “extensive contact tracing work” to limit the spread of the monkeypox virus. I warned that it continued to be done.

“We hope to break the chain of infections and contain the outbreak by extending vaccine delivery to higher-risk people,” said Dr. Mary Ramsey, Head of Immunization at UKHSA.

“Most of the time, it’s mild, but some people can develop serious illnesses, so it’s important to use vaccines available to target the prevalent group. is.

“The NHS will soon release details on how this will be offered-so don’t go forward for the vaccine yet.”

This strategy has been approved by the UK Vaccine Expert Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization.

Alex Sparrowhawk, a health promotion specialist at the sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust, calls the targeted vaccination program a “positive step forward” and “all people, regardless of gender, are wary of new spots, ulcers and blisters. Is encouraging. ”

He said that charities “play our role in providing up-to-date guidance and health information on monkeypox and empower the most affected communities to best protect their health.” He said he continues to monitor the latest data carefully.

LGBTQ + rights charities “welcome the vaccination of qualified gay men and bimen who are currently at high risk of being infected with the virus,” said Robbie de Santos of Stonewall.

He states: Help control the outbreak so that we all have a safe and happy pride season. ”

Dr. Ramsey advised people to be vigilant, saying: If you suspect you have these symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call NHS 111 or your local sexual health center. However, please call in advance before joining.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which occurs primarily in West Africa and Central Africa.

Cases of monkeypox infection were first confirmed in the United Kingdom last month.

Of the 793 cases of monkeypox found in the United Kingdom, 766 were in the United Kingdom, with the majority in London, 18 in Scotland, 6 in Wales, and 3 in Northern Ireland.

Among the confirmed cases in the United Kingdom where gender information was available, 758 (99%) confirmed cases were male and 5 confirmed female cases. The median age of cases confirmed in the United Kingdom was 37 years.

All British doctors If a patient is suspected of having monkeypox, the local council or local health protection team (HPT) should be notified.Since A new law was enacted earlier this month.

UKHSA is currently open Data report Every Tuesday and Friday at Monkeypox in the UK.

Earlier this month, a UK public health agency provided smallpox vaccination for staff working in the care of patients with confirmed monkeypox and sexual health services identified as assessing suspicious cases. Announced that it will be offered to people.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that it will rename the monkeypox virus to avoid discrimination and stigma.