Gay And Bisexual Men To Be Prioritised For Vaccine To Curb The Spread Of Monkeypox

Tuesday, 26 July 2022 17:32

By Caoimhe Harney

Monkeypox is spreading faster among this demographic than others.

Men who are gay, bisexual, or have sex with other men will be prioritised for a vaccine to stop the spread of monkeypox.

The virus is not sexually transmitted but is passed through the extremely close contact.

However, the monkeypox is spreading faster among this demographic than others, and as such gay men will be offered two shots of the small pox vaccines first.

NIAC has recommended that two doses of smallpox vaccine be administered 28 days apart to as many high-risk individuals as soon as practicable.

It follows recommendations made on the 22nd July by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) to the Interim Chief Medical Officer (CMO), who has endorsed these recommendations.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly commented: “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," he added.

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," she concluded.