Twelve new mpox vaccination sites have opened across England, health officials announced on Monday. The move, which comes after a new case of the Clade 1b was confirmed in the UK on Friday, mean many English regions will be able to offer the vaccine for those at a higher risk of getting the infection. Previously, vaccines were only available to eligible people at sites across London, Brighton in East Sussex, and Manchester.

The NHS offers the mpox vaccine to those deemed a higher risk of catching the virus, such as men who have sex with other men and have multiple partners. Clade 2 mpox has been present in low numbers in the UK since 2022, with case numbers decreasing since the height of the outbreak that year, according to NHS England. Separately, there has been a small number of cases of a different strain, Clade 1b, in the country since October 2024. Experts have said this is associated with a more severe form of the disease and higher mortality rates than the variant that caused the global mpox outbreak in 2022.

In September last year, the Government announced it had ordered more than 150,000 doses of mpox vaccine in preparation for the “likely” discovery of Clade 1b cases. Steve Russell, NHS national director fovaccination and screening, said: “The NHS is fully prepared to respond to mpox and the latest cases of Clade 1b, with local services pulling out all the stops to vaccinate those eligible since it first became present in England, and tens of thousands in priority groups already coming forward and getting protected.

“While the risk to the public remains low, it is important that eligible people across England are able to access mpox vaccines easily, which is why we are now offering the jabs at even more sites across the country in line with supply.”. But what is mpox, what are its symptoms and how is it treated?. Here is what you need to know. Mpox is a viral disease caused by the mpox virus, part of the orthopoxvirus family, including the variola virus responsible for smallpox.

Mpox is generally less severe than smallpox, but its spread to new regions has raised public health concerns worldwide. The WHO changed the name of the disease from "monkeypox" to "mpox" in November 2022. This change addressed concerns about the potential for stigma and racism associated with the original name. Some believed this could reinforce harmful stereotypes, particularly as the disease began spreading more widely outside of Africa.

The name "monkeypox" originated because the virus was first identified in monkeys, but the disease is more commonly associated with rodents in its natural reservoirs. The WHO sought a neutral, non-stigmatising name in line with the naming conventions used for other diseases. The decision to rename the disease was part of broader efforts to ensure that the names of diseases are culturally sensitive and do not contribute to discrimination or stigmatisation of individuals or communities​.

The symptoms of mpox include:. In addition, a rash typically develops. This often begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the genitals. The rash evolves through several stages, starting as flat lesions, then becoming raised, filled with fluid (vesicles), and finally turning into scabs that eventually fall off. The appearance of the rash can resemble other conditions like chickenpox or syphilis.

These symptoms and the progression of the disease are crucial for diagnosis and management, especially in non-endemic regions where awareness might be lower. Mpox treatment focuses on symptom relief and supportive care, as most cases resolve in two to four weeks without complications. Patients may use over-the-counter medications, stay hydrated, and apply soothing lotions for pain, fever, and skin discomfort. Antivirals including Tecovirimat (TPOXX) may be prescribed in severe cases or high-risk patients because it’s specifically effective against mpox. Cidofovir and Brincidofovir are alternatives but are used less often.

Preventive vaccination with vaccines including Jynneos (Imvamune or Imvanex) is available for high-risk groups and may be used after exposure to limit spread. Isolation and hygiene measures are essential to prevent transmission within households and communities. Most people recover fully with appropriate care, although those at higher risk should seek prompt medical advice for optimal treatment. The UKHSA has been actively monitoring and responding to the mpox outbreak since May 2022. It has focused on understanding the transmission dynamics, particularly noting that most cases have been among men who have sex with men.