BASHH welcomes UKHSA announcement on mpox vaccine

16 September 2024 (Last updated: 16 Sep 2024 17:09)

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) welcomes today’s announcement that additional mpox vaccine doses have been purchased by the Government.

In response, Dr David Phillips, Vice-President of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, said:

"Whilst no cases of clade 1 mpox have been confirmed in the UK, it is vital to ensure that we have enough mpox vaccines available for everyone who may need them. Today’s announcement will therefore go a long way in providing healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to mitigate against any changes to the current situation.

It is critical that we continue to closely monitor the ongoing mpox outbreak and to that effect, BASHH remains in close collaboration with sector partners and the UKHSA to ensure that we remain as informed as possible about the signs, symptoms, and most appropriate care pathways for treating mpox, if required. More broadly, these developments reinforce the importance of ensuring that sexual health services are provided with the appropriate resources to enable them to carry out vital public health functions and help keep our communities safe.”

The vaccine will be offered to eligible individuals in stages, as it becomes available over time and according to clinical need. BASHH will provide further updates on the roll-out of the vaccine as soon as more information is available. 

For more information on the latest and BASHH’s response to the ongoing mpox outbreak, please click here.