The Public Health Agency (PHA) is continuing to urge people to be vigilant about mpox and to get vaccinated if eligible, following an increase in cases in Northern Ireland and ahead of the summer holidays.

The mpox vaccine helps protect against all types of mpox. It's recommended for people at higher risk of contracting the illness, including some men who have sex with men and people who have had contact with someone who has mpox.

The mpox vaccine increases your protection against catching mpox in the first place, and can help make symptoms milder for anyone who does contract it.

Dr Rachel Coyle, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Vaccination has played a crucial role in protecting people from mpox and reducing case numbers in recent years. However, as with many other vaccine programmes, we have seen a decline in uptake locally. This may be due to lower awareness of the need for vaccination or who is eligible to receive it given the small numbers of cases detected, but it’s important not to miss out on the opportunity to help protect yourself. 

“We want to remind those who are eligible to get vaccinated. Vaccination is available for those eligible in Northern Ireland through sexual health clinics, also known as genitourinary medicine or GUM clinics.

“This is particularly relevant as we head into the summer months and many more people will be travelling. 

“While anyone can catch mpox, the majority of mpox cases in the UK are in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Therefore, those eligible for the vaccine include gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men who have multiple sexual partners, and those who participate in group sex or attend sex on premises venues. Staff who work in these premises are also eligible.

“If you think you may be eligible and have not yet received your first dose or completed the course of two vaccines, contact your local GUM clinic and enquire about getting the vaccine.”

What is mpox?

• It is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox, although it is much less severe.
• Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, swellings, back pain, aching muscles.
• Once the fever breaks a blistering rash can develop, often beginning on the face or genitals and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash goes through several stages which include flat spots, raised spots, blisters and then scabbing. 
• In some people mpox causes pain, inflammation and/or bleeding around the bottom.
• Anyone with symptoms of mpox should contact their local GUM clinic or healthcare provider. Phone first – contact the GUM clinic, emergency department or your GP before you attend so that they can see you safely.
• Anyone with the virus should abstain from sex while they have symptoms, to help prevent passing it on to others.
• Vaccination protects against mpox.

For further information on mpox and what to do if you think you may have contracted mpox see Mpox - Sexual Health NI

Vaccination programme leaflets can be found at www.pha.site/mpox

ENDS