The NHS in London, along with local public health teams, will be accelerating the rollout of the monkeypox vaccine from this week, prioritising individuals who are most likely to get the virus.
NHS staff across the country have already started vaccinating eligible gay/bisexual men, along with Healthcare staff at greatest risk of exposure and those who have been in close contact with a confirmed case, in line with the UK Health Security Agency advice.
Thousands more people who are eligible in London will now be contacted over the next few days and weeks by the NHS about getting their vaccination.
People who have already had close contact with a patient with confirmed monkeypox will be offered a single dose vaccination as soon as possible (ideally within 4 days of contact but sometimes maybe given up to 14 days).
The NHS urges that all those who are eligible for the vaccine to take it up when offered. It will help protect yourself and others you have had close contact with. While the infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms and hospitalisation in some. Please remember that the vaccine may not provide complete protection against monkeypox, so it is still important to be alert for the symptoms of monkeypox and call 111 or a sexual health clinic if you develop any.