Vaccination push to protect against monkeypox

Over 1,500 people have been vaccinated so far against monkeypox in Greater Manchester, with another clinic now announced for tomorrow (Saturday) at the Northern Sexual Health Service for people who are eligible for the vaccine and have used sexual health clinics across any of the ten areas of Greater Manchester.

Following successful vaccination clinics run over the last two weekends, which have seen almost 800 people vaccinated, another clinic for first doses only will be held to vaccinate people who meet the national eligibility criteria.

Sexual health providers across Greater Manchester have been fully booked this week vaccinating people seen as high risk of getting monkeypox and known to their services; with further appointments booked for next week.

The vaccine will, as previously, be available to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men at highest risk of getting monkeypox (for example if people have multiple partners, participate in group sex or attend ‘sex on premises’ venues, people with a recent bacterial sexually transmitted infection and those eligible for PREP, the preventative drug for HIV transmission), people who have had recent close contact with someone infected with monkeypox, and healthcare workers caring for and due to start caring for a patient with the virus.

Jane Pilkington, director of population health for NHS Greater Manchester said: “We’re really pleased to offer another weekend clinic for people most at risk of getting monkeypox.

"We recognise people’s frustrations at the limited vaccine supply available and want to reassure people that we are doing all we can to afford as many people as possible protection.

“We are expecting to receive more vaccines in late September and will contact people eligible and keep the public informed in due course.

“Thank you to our partners in health and care, and across the voluntary sector for once again pulling out all the stops and going the extra mile to boost vaccinations and share important information with people at risk.”

People will be eligible if they have used one of the following providers in Greater Manchester:

Sexual health providers:

· Bolton NHS Foundation Trust [Bolton Centre for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Shine Sexual Health Service (Salford)]

· HCRG [Nye Bevan House, Croft Shifa Health Centre, Middleton Health Centre, Heywood Clinic (all Rochdale); Oldham Integrated Care Centre, Glodwick Primary Care Centre, Royton Health and Wellbeing Centre, Failsworth Primary Care Centre (all Oldham); Bury Townside Primary Care Centre and Radcliffe Primary Care Centre)]

· Locala [The Choices Centre (Stockport) and The Orange Rooms (Tameside)]

· The Northern [in Manchester at the Hathersage Centre, North Manchester General Hospital, Withington Community Hospital, or the Trafford Sexual Health Service (Trafford and Urmston clinics)] and

· Spectrum Community Health CIC [Wigan]

General Practice (GPs):

· The Docs, Manchester

Dr Chris Ward, consultant in sexual health and HIV, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust said: “We know demand is high and people are keen to get a jab so it’s great news that another vaccination clinic for people most at risk of monkeypox across Greater Manchester is taking place this weekend.

"We’re expecting to vaccinate up to 400 people on Saturday and would encourage people to come prepared for the weather, sun or rain with hats, umbrellas and water.

“Please remember, that as with any vaccine, it won’t give 100% protection, and won’t be effective straight away, so stay alert for symptoms and call NHS 111 or a local sexual health clinic if you have signs of monkeypox, even if it’s just one spot.

“Remember that there are lots of other reasons that people may have rashes and spots, so please be supportive of others and be kind.”

Monkeypox can be passed on from person to person through:

· Any close physical contact with monkeypox blisters or scabs (including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling, or holding hands).

· Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with monkeypox.

· The coughs or sneezes of a person with monkeypox when they're close to you.

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