Mpox Vaccines Remain Available During London's Outbreak

The U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) today announced it had modified its mpox outbreak vaccination program, which was scheduled to end in July 2023.

The UKHSA confirmed on June 16, 2023, that mpox vaccinations will remain available in London after 11 new cases were diagnosed within the past few weeks.

Most of these mpox cases were in unvaccinated individuals, but three were in those who had only received one dose of the JYNNEOS® (MVA-BN) vaccine.

After the end of July 2023, people who are regularly traveling to London or abroad to have sex and who are eligible for the JYNNEOS vaccine will be able to book a London-based appointment.

Since the beginning of 2023, just 21 mpox cases have been reported in the U.K. The highest risk from mpox is currently in London, primarily in men.

In a press release, Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, commented, "It is vital we respond to recent rises in cases, and that is why we are extending mpox vaccinations in London."

"If you live in London or regularly travel there or abroad and have sex and are eligible for vaccination, please consider it."

"While mpox infection is mild for many....vaccination is key to reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing further transmission.

The U.K. government remains committed to sustaining reduced mpox transmission and achieving the ultimate goal of eliminating transmission of the disease in the U.K.

In the U.K., everyone at the highest risk from mpox is eligible for two doses of JYNNEOS. 

UKHSA data has shown that one dose of the vaccine offers 78% protection against the virus from 14 days after receiving it, and the second dose aims to provide longer-term protection.

In addition to London, mpox outbreaks in 2023 have been reported in Belgium, Japan, South Korea, France, Paraguay, and Chicago, Illinois.

As of June 14, 2023, the U.S. CDC had reported 30,487 mpox cases and 42 related fatalities since May 2022.

Additional mpox outbreaks and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (syphilis, gonorrhea, HPV, Herpes, and chlamydia) news is posted by Precision Vaccinations.