Sexual Health Sheffield is now offering the mpox vaccine

See if you are eligible and how to book your mpox vaccine.

What is mpox?

Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close, person-to-person contact, often via sexual contact.

Mpox is usually a self-limiting illness (it will go away without treatment) and most people get better in several weeks. However, severe illness can occur in some individuals.

There are different types of mpox called ‘clades’: Clade 1 and Clade 2.

Clade 1 mpox: Clade 1 mpox is present in Central/East Africa with occasional cases reported in other countries including UK. Clade 1 is known as a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) because it causes more severe symptoms.

Clade 2 mpox:  This is a less severe strain mainly passed on via sexual contact. There were many cases of Clade 2 mpox in the UK in 2022 amongst men (and people assigned male at birth) who have sex with men (MSM). Cases are still present in the UK.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

The symptoms of mpox include:

• A skin rash with blisters, spots or ulcers that can appear anywhere on your body (including your genitals)
• Fever
• Headaches, backache and muscle aches
• Joint pains
• Swollen glands
• Shivering (chills) and exhaustion

You may get the rash with no other symptoms.

What do I do if I think I have mpox:

If you think you may have mpox, please do not walk into our service.  Equally, if you have any symptoms and you, or someone you have been in contact with, have travelled to Central or East Africa in the last 21 days, please do not walk into our service.  Instead, please call our switchboard on 0114 226 8888 for a telephone call back by one of our clinicians on the same day.

Is there a vaccination against mpox?

Yes, the smallpox vaccination has good protection against mpox. Evidence suggests that the vaccine is effective if given to people before they are exposed to the infection.  The vaccine course is usually 2 doses (at least one month apart but can be up to 3 months) but most of the protection comes from the first dose, so having one dose will significantly reduce the risk of getting mpox.

How and when can I get an mpox vaccination?

You may be eligible for the mpox vaccine if:

• you are a man (or were assigned male at birth) who has sex with other men

AND

• you have multiple sexual partners, participate in group sex, or attend sex-on-premises venues (staff at these venues may also be eligible).

We are offering 1^st and 2^nd doses of the Mpox vaccine, providing supply continues.  If you have received only one dose in the past and remain eligible we are happy to provide your second dose.

You can make a booking by phoning our reception team on 0114 226 8888 Monday to Thursday (8.30am to 6:00pm) and Friday (8:30 to 5:00pm). Please note, you will be placed on a waiting list and called back within 1-2 weeks with an appointment.