The current monkeypox vaccine shortage is a "huge concern" and could lead to an increase in cases in the next coming weeks, according to a Welsh sexual health consultant. The warning comes as festival season continues in Wales, with Green Man and Pride Cymru set to take place this month.
The virus can be passed on by sexual activity, coughing or sneezing, or contact with monkeypox scabs - including via bedding, towels or clothing. As of Thursday, August 11, Public Health Wales has confirmed three additional cases of monkeypox have been identified in Wales, bringing the total to 40. In the UK, there is a total of 3,195 cases.
At the beginning of this month, the Welsh Government announced its plans on how the monkeypox vaccine would be distributed in Wales. As the vaccine was not produced to be routinely used in any country and with global supplies being limited, the four UK Chief Medical Officers agreed that the vaccine deployment would be prioritised where there were localised outbreaks, such as London.
