Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said there are many people not showing up for their scheduled Moneypox vaccine appointments as cases continue to be detected here.
Around one in three people who have been given a time and date by the HSE to receive their immunity boost against the virus are not attending.
To date, there have been around 200 cases recorded in Ireland in 2022 and the HSE has opened 11 vaccination clinics nationwide.
READ MORE: All you need to know about monkeypox vaccination and who will be offered it in Ireland
Anyone who is deemed eligible can make bookings online after they opened last week but officials say huge numbers of people are down as ‘no shows.’
Speaking to Newstalk, Mr. Donnelly said: “One of the things I would ask, for those who have got bookings on the portal, is the HSE are reporting back to me that there is quite a high level of people not turning up.
“The so-called ‘DNA’ or Did Not Attend. In fact, it’s as high as one in three people who’ve booked a slot and aren’t showing up - for whatever reason.
“I would just ask anyone who has one of those slots, there’s a lot of demand for them, so please do everything you can to turn up.”
Monkeypox can affect anyone, but currently, most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men.
It’s estimated that between 6,000 and 13,000 people could benefit from vaccination and while no vaccination slots are available right now, the HSE portal will open again to bookings next month.
Monkeypox vaccines are recommended for people in these categories if they:
- Have been diagnosed with a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 6 months
- Have been diagnosed with genital herpes for the first time in the past 6 months
- Have had 3 or more sexual partners in the past 3 months
- Have had group sex in the past 6 months
- Have had sex in a sex-on-premises venue in the past 6 months
READ NEXT :
Irish pubs opening hours overhaul means pints can soon be served until 6am
Social welfare Ireland: Who is eligible for four bonus payments due during same week in November
Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch trial hears of AK47 bullet blitz during Regency Hotel attack
Ireland to be hit with gale force winds as Met Eireann issue yellow weather warning for coasts
Gardai launch investigation after discovery of woman's body near Dublin Luas track
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
