A safe smallpox vaccine called Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) is being used for mpox (monkeypox) vaccination. Both viruses are orthopoxviruses from the same family (poxviridae).
How effective is the vaccine?
The vaccine is safe and current evidence suggests it will help to protect you from mpox and severe illness. Please get the vaccine if you’re invited for it. As with most vaccines, if you are immunocompromised (i.e. have a poor immune response to illnesses) it may take longer for the vaccine to work.
We will learn more about the vaccine as more people are given it.
How do I get the vaccine?
The vaccine programme is prioritising gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men, who meet one or more of the criteria (in the previous 12 months).
Trans and non-binary people, and some cis women are also eligible if they meet the criteria.
The criteria also apply to people living with HIV.
The criteria are:
- You have multiple sexual partners.
- You are taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), or having sex without condoms.
- You have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last year.
- You have group sex (including chemsex).
- You visit sex-on-premises venues such as saunas, sex clubs or dark rooms.
- You are doing sex work.
- You have already had contact with a person with a confirmed diagnosis of mpox (monkeypox) (ideally within four days but up sometimes up to 14).
- Or you are likely to meet any of these criteria in the near future.
Find out more about vaccination in:
Will I need a second dose?
One dose gives a good level of protection against mpox. However, two doses are recommended to improve protection.
Where possible you should wait until your next routine sexual health appointment, or until a more routine programme is established to get your second does of vaccine.
Can I get a post-exposure vaccine?
If you have recently been a close contact of a person with a confirmed case of mpox you might be eligible for a post-exposure vaccine. This would ideally be offered within four days of exposure but may be offered up to 14 days and could prevent an infection or make symptoms much milder.
If I have HIV should I be on the priority list?
Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men, and who are living with HIV are eligible for the vaccine if they meet the criteria. If you are on effective treatment, with controlled HIV and a CD4 above 200, you are not considered to be more vulnerable to mpox.
Mpox can be more severe for those living with HIV who aren’t on HIV treatment, or have a CD4 count below 200. People at high risk of HIV are advised to get tested for the virus, along with anyone who tests positive for mpox.
What if I had a smallpox vaccine when younger?
Yes, if you have already had the smallpox vaccine, it is safe to have an additional vaccine. People who had a smallpox vaccine as a child or more than three years ago that meet the criteria are still encouraged to come forward for the vaccine as their immunity will have waned.
