Vaccinations against mpox, the virus formerly known as monkeypox, have restarted in Greater Manchester.

It comes as two new confirmed cases have been detected in the city-region, according to health bosses.

Some clinics, mainly for those who had already called in, have already taken place, with more planned to go on to the national service finder tool in early September.

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Dr Helen Wall, GP and clinical director of population health for Greater Manchester for NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care said: “Following two mpox cases confirmed in Greater Manchester, we have been working to step-up our vaccination programme to meet any unmet demand, and are able to offer a limited service whilst we re-establish vaccination clinics.

“This will ensure people considered at high risk of getting mpox can protect themselves and others from severe illness.

“Although cases remain low, we are looking to offer further vaccinations in Greater Manchester to provide reassurance to people, and to offer a further chance to get protected if people did not get a vaccination last year. More information will be shared once clinics have been confirmed.

“We would urge people not to worry as cases remain low across the country. We are working with partners, including with sexual health charities to ensure information on signs and symptoms, staying safe and protecting yourself and others is shared.”

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Cases across the country

Nationwide, 3,777 confirmed and highly probable mpox cases have been recorded in 2022 and 2023, with 3,597 of those in England.

In the last 12 months, 229 cases have been reported across England and Wales.

NHS Greater Manchester had said it would be people’s ‘last chance’ to get the vaccination in June 2023, with more than 3,000 getting vaccinated in the city-region.

The vaccine is available to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men who are at the highest risk of getting the infection, as well as those who have had recent close contact with someone infected, and healthcare workers caring for or due to start caring for a patient with the virus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) renamed the disease from ‘monkeypox’ to ‘mpox’ after ‘racist and stigmatising language’ was reported.

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How mpox (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 mpox.
  • The coughs or sneezes of a person with monkeypox when they're close to you.

Mpox (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 mpox.

Symptoms include:

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

The Oldham Times: Mpox symptomsMpox symptoms (Image: UKHSA)

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 your hands regularly with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
  • Know the symptoms if you’re 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.
  • If you have symptoms, take a break from all intimate contact (including kissing) until you’ve seen a doctor and had the all-clear. If you’re recovering from an mpox 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 mpox 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.