NHS England has launched a vaccine site finder online to protect people from the monkeypox virus.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), an executive agency of the Department for Health and Social Care, has estimated that 95,000 people in England are eligible for the monkeypox vaccination but that only half of this number are in contact with sexual health services in England.
The new vaccine site finder web service allows those eligible for the vaccination to find the nearest site and information on how to get an appointment. At last week’s launch, NHS England said there were already 100 vaccination sites across England listed and that the site is confidential.
Steve Russell, NHS director of vaccinations and screening, said: “This new NHS site finder makes it easier than ever to join the nearly 50,000 who are protected from monkeypox”.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency, added: “This vital new service will help make it easier for those at highest risk to get vaccination appointments”.
Risk of exposure
UKHSA guidance is that those at greatest risk of exposure are eligible for the vaccination. In a statement, UKHSA said: “This includes high risk gay, bisexual and/or men who have sex with men (GBMSM), along with specific frontline staff and those who have been in close contact with a confirmed case.”
Before the site was launched, there were 3,537 confirmed and 149 highly probable monkeypox cases detected in the UK: 3,686 in total, UKHSA said.
The NHS said 50,000 people have already been vaccinated for monkeypox since the programme began.
Russell said: “The NHS is redoubling its efforts to get people who are most likely to get monkeypox vaccinated, and with half of those eligible in contact with sexual health services and continuing to be invited, now is the time to come forward for a first dose via the finder if you haven’t already.”
Ramsay added: “It remains vital that people are alert to the risk monkeypox poses and take action to protect themselves and others.”
