The UK government has secured extra mpox vaccine doses to bolster the nation’s preparedness for clade I mpox, while continuing its support for global efforts to control the disease.
More than 150,000 doses of the mpox vaccine, sourced from Bavarian Nordic, will ensure the UK is well-equipped to respond to any cases of clade I mpox that may emerge. This acquisition will enable the NHS to vaccinate those deemed at higher risk, with vaccine rollouts planned for all four nations of the UK.
The vaccine will be made available in stages, dependent on supply and clinical requirements, to those who are eligible.
Target Groups for Vaccination
Following expert guidance, the government has identified the following groups for vaccination:
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) identified as being at greater risk of exposure to mpox, in line with the ongoing clade II mpox vaccination, as recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in November 2023. Planning is underway for the next phase of this programme.
- Healthcare workers within agreed infectious disease units and sexual health services.
- Specialist healthcare and humanitarian workers traveling to affected regions to engage in mpox response activities or assist in locations with active outbreaks, based on risk assessments.
- Close contacts of confirmed cases, to reduce their risk of infection and protect against severe disease.
Further details on the vaccination schedule will be shared in due course.
Global Concerns and the UK’s Role
This vaccine procurement comes amid rising concerns over the spread of clade I mpox, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) following a surge of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and parts of Africa.
The UK is playing a critical role in the global response, providing early support to the DRC— the epicenter of the outbreak— and leading investment in international organizations vital for responding to health crises.
Government and Expert Commentary
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, remarked: “The UK is taking proactive steps to enhance its defences against clade I mpox, while continuing to support the global fight against the disease. Although no cases of clade I mpox have been detected in the UK, we are ensuring the country is prepared with a robust vaccination programme to safeguard those at risk. We remain vigilant and proud to support international efforts, including our early response in the DRC.”
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), added: “While no clade I mpox cases have been reported in the UK, the risk to the general public is currently low. However, we are fully prepared to handle any potential cases, and vaccination remains an essential part of our defence. We have been working diligently to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge to detect cases early, offer rapid testing, and establish protocols for clinical care and preventing transmission.”
UK Support to International Efforts
Last month, Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa, visited the DRC and announced over £3 million in funding to support efforts to combat mpox and cholera outbreaks in the region. This partnership with UNICEF aims to reach 4.4 million people in affected communities, raise awareness, and enhance surveillance to curb the spread of mpox.
As a key donor to the WHO (£340 million from 2020-2024), the UK is supporting global preparedness for health emergencies. Additionally, the UK is providing £3 million to WHO’s Africa office for health crisis response and continues to work closely with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, contributing £1.65 billion from 2021-2025. Gavi has already allocated $2.9 million to support the DRC’s vaccination efforts.
Anneliese Dodds, Minister for Development, stated: “The UK remains at the forefront of the global mpox response, with our investments in Gavi and UNICEF playing a crucial role. Our partnership with UNICEF in the DRC will help 4.4 million people and strengthen efforts to stop the spread of mpox. By acting now, we aim to save lives, prevent further transmission, and protect people both in the UK and abroad.”
Mpox Overview
There are two primary types of mpox, clade I and clade II. Clade II has been present in the UK since an outbreak in 2022, though cases have significantly declined since their peak in the summer of that year. Clade I has not been identified in the UK to date.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, stated: The NHS stands prepared to administer the mpox vaccine to priority groups whenever necessary. Although the risk of mpox remains low in the UK, vaccination offers crucial protection for those most likely to be exposed. We encourage those eligible to take up the opportunity when invited by local health services.”
The UKHSA will continue to monitor the situation and publish technical updates on clade I mpox as necessary.
