Vaccination
The Brighton Sexual Health service has been running an mpox vaccination programme since July 2022 and have invited all eligible registered patients, following NHS England guidelines, for 1st and 2nd doses
On 22/03/23 NHS England advised that individuals, who have not already done so, access a first dose by 16/06/23 and that all individuals must have completed second doses by 31 July 2023, please follow this link for more information on who is eligible Find an mpox vaccination site – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
In May 2023 there has been a very small rise in the number of cases of mpox seen in France and London. We continue to offer vaccination to those who are eligible. If you have been unable to access a first or second dose, we do have a limited number of remaining vaccinations, please call 01273 523 388 to book an appointment
Cases
A small number of people in the UK have been diagnosed with mpox and the risk remains low. Mpox is a rare infection. Although more people have been diagnosed with it recently, only a small number of people in the UK have had mpox and the risk remains low. Anyone can get mpox. Currently most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with other men.
How is it spread ?
Mpox is passed on from person to person through any close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs. This includes holding hands, kissing and during sexual contact.
It can also be passed on by touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with mpox.
Symptoms
The first symptoms of mpox include:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- shivering (chills)
- exhaustion
A rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms. The rash often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body. This can include the genitals and anus. Unless you have been in close contact with someone who has mpox or has mpox symptoms, or have recently travelled to west or central Africa, you’re extremely unlikely to have mpox. If you feel unwell or have any concerns, call SHAC on 01273 523 388
How can I lower my risk of catching mpox?
At events
Consider how much close, personal, skin-to-skin contact may happen at any event you plan to attend. If you feel sick or have any rashes or sores, do not attend any gathering. Speak to your GP or local sexual health clinic. Festivals, events, and concerts where you’re fully clothed and unlikely to have skin-to-skin contact are safer. But be mindful of activities (like kissing) that might spread mpox. A rave, party, or club where there’s less clothing and where there’s direct, personal, often skin-to-skin contact has some risk. Avoid any rashes or sores you see on others. Consider avoiding touching others where possible. Enclosed spaces, such as dark rooms, saunas, or sex clubs, where there is minimal or no clothing and where intimate sexual contact occurs, have a higher chance of spreading mpox.
Having sex
Talk to your partner about any recent illness. Be aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner’s body, including the genitals and anus. If you or your partner have recently been sick, currently feel sick, or have a new or an unexplained rash or sores, do not have sex. Speak to your GP or local sexual health clinic. If you or a partner has mpox, the best way to protect yourself and others is to not have sex of any kind (oral, anal, vaginal). Do not kiss or touch each other’s bodies while you’re sick, especially any rash or sores. Do not share things like towels, toothbrushes, fetish gear and sex toys.
