Clinics in Greater Manchester are now open for people to receive their second monkeypox vaccine.

According to health bosses, 2,500 people in Greater Manchester have received their first vaccination against monkeypox.

Now, even those not registered at a Greater Manchester sexual health clinic can get their first jab.

Those who were first to receive the vaccination over the summer will now be eligible to receive their second dose, which is recommended two to three months after getting the first vaccination.

To ensure that getting that second dose is as easy and convenient as possible, several appointment-only clinics will be running across Greater Manchester in October and November.

Clinics will be held at a range of times and locations that people can choose from.

ALSO READ: First confirmed rise in Oldham monkeypox cases.

Where this is not possible, other local providers will ensure that people can get vaccinated.

For those who have yet to be vaccinated, first doses will also be on offer.

Those registered with HCRG, which provides Oldham’s sexual health service, will need to book via an alternative provider.

Details on how to book can be found on Greater Manchester Integrated Care’s website.

Jane Pilkington, director of population health, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said: “The recent reports of a decrease in cases of monkeypox across the UK is certainly encouraging and will in part be due to people following advice given such as how to recognise potential symptoms, actions to keep themselves safe and importantly those at the highest risk taking up the vaccine offer, for which I would like to thank them.

“It is important that, when able to, individuals receive their second dose of the vaccine, two to three months after receiving their first. This helps maximise their protection against the virus, protecting them and those around them.

“I hope that the opening of further clinics will help people receive their vaccination as easily as possible and allow those eligible to get their second dose to do so sooner.

“Please remember, that as with any vaccine, it won’t give 100% protection, and won’t be effective straight away, so stay alert for symptoms and call NHS 111 or a local sexual health clinic if you have signs of monkeypox, even if it’s just one spot.”

The Oldham Times: Monkeypox symptomsMonkeypox symptoms (Image: UKHSA)

How monkeypox is transmitted

  • Any close physical contact with monkeypox blisters or scabs (including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling, or holding hands).
  • Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with monkeypox.
  • The coughs or sneezes of a person with monkeypox when they're close to you.

Monkeypox signs and symptoms

According to the NHS, it can take between five and 21 days for symptoms to appear after you first get infected with monkeypox.

Symptoms include:

  • a high temperature
  • a headache
  • muscle aches
  • backache
  • swollen glands
  • shivering (chills)
  • exhaustion
  • joint pain

A rash, which is sometimes confused with chickenpox, usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms, often beginning on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. This can include the mouth, genitals, and anus.

How to protect yourself

  • Clean hands regularly with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
  • Know the symptoms if sexually active, especially with new partners. Talk to partners about their sexual health and remember symptoms can take three weeks to develop, so keep checking yourself.
  • Swap contact details if hooking up with someone new.
  • With symptoms, take a break from all intimate contact (including kissing) until they’ve seen a doctor and had the all-clear. If recovering from monkeypox infection, remember to use condoms for 12 weeks as a precaution.

What to do if you think you might have it or could get it

Those who think they have monkeypox or have come into contact with someone who has monkeypox should isolate and can find information on Oldham’s Sexual Health Hub or call the Sexual Health Hub on 0300 303 8565. Information is also available on the NHS website.