Mpox on the rise again as jab drive to end

THE UK could be hit with a second wave of monkeypox this summer if the vaccination programme closes as planned next month, experts have warned.

Health officials have revealed that the painful blistering disease – now known as mpox since the first outbreak hit almost 4,000 people last year – is on the rise again, with ten cases in London in the past month alone.

The condition is spread through close physical contact – typically sex – and can kill in some cases.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that mpox – which primarily affects gay and bisexual men – had ‘not gone away’ and urged more to come forwards for the vaccine.

Two doses of the vaccine are required to protect against the disease in the long term, however, current UKHSA plans will see first doses halted on June 16 with the final second doses on July 23. About a third of men eligible have not received a first dose and nearly two-thirds have not had a second.

Half of those infected in London recently were not vaccinated, and in two cases they had received only one dose.

Experts say more time is needed to increase the number of people

‘It would not be wise to shut down vaccination’

vaccinated against the virus, which would ensure it doesn’t spread.

Dr John McSorley, a consultant sexual health expert at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, says: ‘Given this recent rise in cases, it would not be wise to shut down the vaccination campaign when there are still thousands of men who still have not come forwards to get the jab. We need to extend the programme.’

The vaccine has been offered to men who have multiple regular sexual partners. Experts say this means that about 100,000 people are eligible.

Since the rollout began last summer, more than 70,000 people have received a first dose and 32,000 have had a second.

There have been very few new cases of mpox this year until now. UKHSA has recorded 20 cases since January, half of which have occurred in the past month.

However, experts say the lull in cases shows many didn’t come forward for the jab as they believed the virus had gone.

Dr McSorley adds: ‘We need to continue vaccinating those most at risk throughout the summer to make up for that.’