Mpox

The mpox infection is rare. The risk of catching it is low. Anyone can get the mpox however, most cases in the UK have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with other men, so it's particularly important to be aware of the symptoms if you're in these groups.

Symptoms of mpox include a high temperature, joint pains, swollen glands and rashes that start on the face, which spreads to other parts of the body.

Call your local sexual health clinic if you have symptoms of mpox and tell the person you speak to what you are experiencing.

Do you need your mpox vaccine?

It’s important to protect yourself and those around you by making sure you have both doses of the mpox vaccine and test regularly for STIs. This is recommended even if the chance of getting mpox is now lower since the global outbreak in May 2022.

UKHSA recommends the mpox vaccine for men who have sex with men who have multiple or casual partners or who have been previously diagnosed with an STI. For maximum protection, a second booster vaccine is recommended two to three months after your first dose.

The vaccine is safe and effective at preventing transmission. Visit SHL.UK to get an STI test.