Welsh Government have encouraged those eligible for the monkeypox vaccine to get it, once it becomes available.

On July 22, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a press release regarding the accelerated monkeypox vaccination roll-out in London. 

Due to limited supplies as the vaccines are not produced to be routinely used, the four UK Chief Medical Officers have agreed for the short term that vaccine deployment will be prioritised where there are localised outbreaks, starting with London.

NHS Wales has already been vaccinating some of those eligible for the monkeypox vaccine, who are: Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), frontline healthcare staff who are at greatest risk of exposure and those who have been in close contact with a confirmed case, in line with the UKHSA advice.

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A joint statement from Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services and Hannah Blythyn MS, Deputy Minister for Social Partnerships, said: "For Wales, like the rest of the UK, this means in the short term, only those most at risk in areas with localised outbreaks are being prioritised for vaccination. We are working closely with the UKHSA to ensure Wales’ share of the vaccine is available for deployment as soon as possible.

"Those next in line will be offered the vaccine as soon as it becomes available and we urge all those who are eligible for the vaccine to take it up when invited by health boards to a vaccination appointment.

"We are seeing the majority of monkeypox cases in the current outbreak experienced by gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. We want to reassure this community that their interests are our priority. 

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"Everyone is being asked to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox, regardless of sexuality, however it is clear that some groups are at increased risk.  We are keen to avoid a situation where fear of stigma prevents individuals from accessing health care services or asking for help. 

"It is important that we do not allow stigma or misinformation do more harm than the virus itself.

"We should all be aware of the risks and symptoms of monkeypox and be careful when attending events and situations where close contact may occur. People concerned about symptoms should contact NHS 111 or a sexual health service."

Further information is available on the Public Health Wales website: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/monkeypox/