Mpox vaccination centre opens in Exeter

People who think they may be at risk on mpox, a virus formerly known as monkeypox, can now get immunised at a vaccination centre in Exeter.

It is one of 12 new mpox vaccination locations across England, making it easier for eligible residents to reduce the risk of infection.

Up to now the only centres were in London, Manchester and Brighton.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says the risk from mpox remains low.

People eligible for the mpox vaccine are men who has sex with many other men, participate in group sex, or attend 'sex-on-premises' venues, which seems to be an NHS phrase for places previously known as brothels. Staff at these venues may also be eligible.

Mpox is a rare infection most commonly found in parts of central and east Africa.

Clade 2 mpox has been present in the UK since 2022. Reported infections have fallen since the height of then and currently remain low. Separately, there has been a small number of cases of Clade 1b mpox in this country since last October.

Mpox can be passed on from person to person through any close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs. Once infected with mpox, it usually takes between 5 and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear.

The first symptoms of mpox include a high temperature, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen glands, shivering, exhaustion and joint pain. A rash usually appears between one and five days after the first symptoms and can be on any part of the body.

If you have had contact with someone who has mpox, the mpox contact tracing team will contact you. They will check your risk of catching mpox and tell you if you need an mpox vaccine.

Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccination and Screening, said: “The NHS is fully prepared to respond to mpox and the latest cases of Clade 1b with local services pulling out all the stops to vaccinate those eligible since it first became present in England, and tens of thousands in priority groups already coming forward and getting protected.

“While the risk to the public remains low, it is important that eligible people across England are able to access mpox vaccines easily, which is why we are now offering the jabs at even more sites across the country in line with supply.

“So, if you meet the eligibility criteria please come forward and get protected – simply search on the NHS website to find the vaccination site closest to you.”