Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, has announced plans to vaccinate people in Ireland who are deemed 'at high risk' from monkeypox infection.
The Minister has said following new NIAC recommendations, he plans to extend the use of the smallpox vaccine for those individuals at high risk of monkeypox.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) made their recommendations to the Interim Chief Medical Officer (CMO) on July 22. Professor Breda Smyth has endorsed these recommendations.
Read More : Hair loss and loss of libido among latest symptoms of Long Covid
NIAC has recommended that "pre-exposure prophylactic vaccination should be offered to those at high risk of infection e.g., gay, bisexual, men who have sex with men (gbMSM) and others at high risk of unprotected exposure.
"Two doses of smallpox vaccine should be administered 28 days apart to as many high-risk individuals as soon as practicable.," they said.
Minister Donnelly added: “I welcome these recommendations which represent an important step in our ongoing response to the monkeypox outbreak and help protect those at high risk of exposure to monkeypox."
“Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting illness, and most people recover within a few weeks, however the rapid spread of infection necessitates further measures beyond those currently in place. The evidence suggests this approach to targeted pre-exposure prophylaxis may be highly efficient in controlling further spread of the disease.
“The Department of Health and the HSE will now work to implement these new recommendations in relation to vaccination.”
Interim CMO, Professor Breda Smyth said: “These recommendations reflect a strengthening of measures to control disease transmission and ensures that our response to this evolving situation is informed by the best available evidence.
“I strongly encourage those with symptoms of infection to seek medical advice and follow the public health guidance.”
READ NEXT:
- Pub customer slams staff for treatment of daughter, 19, who wanted to drink wine
- Met Eireann pinpoint arrival of miserable weather with 'heavy bursts' of rain in two regions
- Ger Loughnane: Few people ever had as big an ego as Brian Cody
- Dec Donnelly welcomes baby son whose name includes touching nod to best pal Ant McPartlin
- Love Island's Jay reveals 'mandatory' part of show that he 'hated' every day
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
