Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) has responded to reports the UK’s current supply of smallpox vaccine to protect against monkeypox is running low ahead of an additional 100,000 doses arriving in the country in September.
According to the sexual health charity, the limited supply currently available “must be properly maximised, with transparent communication from the UK Health Security Agency“.
Ian Green, THT’s chief executive, said: “There needs to be urgent action to salvage this situation. We know many gay and bisexual men will be worried by news of vaccine supplies running low and our advice to them is please do not panic.
“It’s crucial we have transparency from the UK Health Security Agency about what’s happened and when we can expect more doses to reach the country as the vaccine programme is absolutely crucial to getting on top of the monkeypox outbreak.
“The very limited doses of vaccine we have left in the country must now be prioritised for those most at risk in the places with the highest reported cases. That means ensuring sexual health services in places like Brighton, Manchester and Essex are given provision alongside London.
“It’s high time we got a proper grip on the monkeypox response and for that we need to see this taken seriously at the highest level of Government.”
