Shortage of monkeypox vaccines expected to halt rollout

Stocks of the monkeypox vaccine are set to run out in some parts of the country, with the vaccination rollout expected to be paused for several weeks.

Many clinics have said that have already run out and have stopped any new appointments.

A UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) memo, leaked the BBC, shows that some doses will be held back to give to people already exposed to the virus. The UKHSA says it's trying to "expedite delivery" of 100,000 doses.

The UKHSA expects all of the current supply to have been distributed to providers by the middle of August, with all available vaccines to be given to vulnerable groups by the end of the month.

The latest data shows there are an average 29 confirmed monkeypox cases a day in the UK, with 3,017 total cases.

More than 25,000 people have received a dose of the vaccine. However, the global outbreak of monkeypox has lead to a surge in demand for the vaccine, meaning stocks are low worldwide.

Speaking to the BBC, a public health worker in Yorkshire labelled the situation a "nightmare", adding "disorganisation is going to mean more and more people get infected". The worker said they were turning eligible people away and warned of a massive increase in cases.

Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UKHSA, said: "The most important way to protect those who are more likely to get monkeypox - and to limit the outbreak - is to ensure that all the vaccines available to us are in people's arms as quickly as possible, and are building protection across the community."

 

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