mpox (monkeypox) vaccination programme being wound down

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced that due to a sustained reduction in mpox, the new term for monkeypox, across England and the success of vaccination in helping to control the outbreak, the vaccination programme is being wound down.

Anyone who is eligible, and hasn’t had a mpox vaccination is urged to come forward in the coming months to protect themselves before the summer. First doses remain available for gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men at highest risk from mpox until 16 June with second doses available until the end of July.

The UKHSA will continue to closely monitor case numbers and will retain the ability to stand up the vaccination programme if the risk of infection rises significantly.

The local mpox vaccination programme has been led by NHS North East London’s immunisation team, working closely with trusts and local authority public health teams. The programme included offering vaccinations in community settings such as music festivals and raising awareness of sexual health issues at a range of venues. Special thanks go to everyone involved for their efforts to increase vaccination uptake and bring down mpox cases significantly.