Health
Monkeypox: Doctors consider vaccinating people with multiple partners
Britain's Health Safety Agency said it might consider vaccinating those who have multiple partners or engage in group sex
June 22, 2022 12:11pm
Updated: June 22, 2022 1:06pm
British health authorities announced on Tuesday that doctors might consider monkeypox vaccinations for those with multiple partners, engage in group sex, or attend "on-premises sex" venues.
"By expanding the supply of vaccines to those most at risk, we hope to break the chains of transmission and help contain the outbreak," said Britain's Health Security Agency's director of immunization, Dr. Mary Ramsay, according to Telemundo 52.
Previously, vaccines were only available to health care workers caring for monkeypox patients or disinfecting areas contaminated by the disease. The vaccine was initially developed for smallpox but is believed to be 85% effective against monkeypox.
A week ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance on safe sex as cases of the disease rise.
The guide, titled "Social Gatherings, Safer Sex and Monkeypox," includes recommendations such as masturbating six feet away from a partner, avoiding kissing, having virtual sex, and "having sex with clothes on or covering areas where there are rashes or sores."
People infected or suspected of having the virus are asked to wash their hands frequently and the accessories they use during sexual intercourse—"fetish equipment, sex toys and any cloth" that may have been in contact with infected areas during sexual activity.
The national public health agency also recommends visiting a health center if any symptoms appear. Individuals should also come prepared to disclose the identities of people with whom they have had "close, personal, or sexual contact in the past 21 days, including people you met through dating apps."
In late May, the CDC issued an alert for homosexual and bisexual men as smallpox appears to be spreading to the community worldwide. The CDC asked people to take the necessary precautions.
There are already 793 cases of monkeypox in the UK, out of more than 2100 cases in 42 countries worldwide. No deaths have been reported beyond Africa.
