The second dose of the Monkeypox vaccine is now being rolled out.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced that second doses of the smallpox (Jynneos) vaccine will be offered to people at highest risk from monkeypox to maximise protection against the virus. The NHS will call forward those that are eligible for vaccination and second doses will be offered from around 2-3 months after the first dose was given.
The targeted approach is supported by modelling which suggests vaccinating 25% of the groups most at risk could significantly reduce the risk of transmission. Whilst sexual health clinics will continue to prioritise offering first doses to those at highest risk, some clinics will also begin to offer eligible people a second dose to provide a longer-term protection. There are no current plans to widen the offer of vaccination beyond the existing priority cohorts, though this decision will be kept under review.