The NHS has launched a new digital tool to make it easier for eligible people to book their monkeypox jab.
People will be find their nearest site offering the vaccine online and details on how they can get an appointment.
There are almost 100 sites on the site finder and people can choose to receive their vaccination confidentially if they wish to. Each vaccination site has instructions for getting a vaccine appointment, which can be found online.
In line with guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) those who are at the greatest risk of exposure are eligible to receive the vaccine. This includes high-risk gay, bisexual and/or men who have sex with men; specific frontline staff; and those who have had close contact with a confirmed case.
Steve Russell, NHS director of vaccinations and screening, said: “The NHS is redoubling its efforts to get people who are most likely to get monkeypox vaccinated and with half of those eligible in contact with sexual health services and continuing to be invited, now is the time to come forward for a first dose via the finder if you haven’t already.
“While we know the risk of monkeypox remains low, it is important that if you are eligible, you protect yourself and those around you wherever possible, and this new NHS site finder makes it easier than ever to join the nearly 50,000 who are protected from monkeypox.”
Until the launch of the new site finder, the NHS and sexual health services had been contacting men who are likely to be at higher risk of infection.
Now anyone eligible can come forward to receive their first dose of the vaccine. Screening against the eligibility criteria will happen before they can receive the vaccination. They will be contacted by the NHS when it is time for their second dose.
Health Minister Dr Caroline Johnson said: “We’re now making it easier for eligible people to find their nearest vaccination centres by launching a covid-style site finder online. Please come forward to protect yourself and others as soon as you can.”