More monkeypox vaccine appointments have been released.

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 of the smallpox vaccine, which health bosses say can protect against monkeypox infection.

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.

Clinic dates are now available in Manchester on Saturday, November 5.

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

More information about booking an appointment can be found on Greater Manchester Integrated Care's website.

 

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.