A second dose of monkeypox vaccines will be offered to those most at risk of the virus across clinics in Greater Manchester following the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) announcement.

Already 2,500 people in Greater Manchester have received their first vaccination against monkeypox.

Those who were first to receive the vaccination over the summer will now be eligible to receive their second dose, which is recommended two to three months after getting the first vaccination.

To ensure that getting a second dose is as easy and convenient as possible, several appointment-only clinics will be running across Greater Manchester in October and November.

Clinics will be held at a range of time of locations that individuals can choose from and in some cases, individuals will be able to go back to clinics where they had their first vaccine.

Where this is not possible, other local providers will ensure that people can get vaccinated.

For those who have yet to be vaccinated, first doses will also be on offer. If people need a first dose, they can approach any sexual health provider in Greater Manchester directly and book via phone, e-mail or online booking link.

Those eligible for a second dose will in most cases be contacted directly by the service they used to book a follow up appointment.

Jane Pilkington, director of population health, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said: “The recent reports of a decrease in cases of monkeypox across the UK is certainly encouraging and will in part be due to people following advice given such as how to recognise potential symptoms, actions to keep themselves safe and importantly those at the highest risk taking up the vaccine offer, for which I would like to thank them.

“It is important that, when able to, individuals receive their second dose of the vaccine, two to three months after receiving their first.

“This helps maximise their protection against the virus, protecting them and those around them.

“I hope that the opening of further clinics will help people receive their vaccination as easily as possible and allow those eligible to get their second dose to do so sooner.

“Please remember, that as with any vaccine, it won’t give 100% protection, and won’t be effective straight away, so stay alert for symptoms and call NHS 111 or a local sexual health clinic if you have signs of monkeypox, even if it’s just one spot.”

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