在最近發生一系列病例後，倫敦將擴大MPOX疫苗接種範圍，其中大多數病例是未接種疫苗的人。

資料來源：英國衛生安全局 / 2023 年 6 月 16 日 / aidsmap / 財團法人台灣紅絲帶基金會編譯

全國性mpox疫情疫苗接種計畫將於7月底結束。 然而，英國衛生安全局 (UKHSA) 今天宣布，在過去幾週內診斷出 11 例新病例後，倫敦將在此日期之後提供疫苗接種。 這些病例大多數是未接種疫苗的個體，另外 3 例是只接種了一劑疫苗的個體。 目前，MPOX 的風險最高的是倫敦，主要是同性戀、雙性戀或其他男男性行為者相互關聯的性網絡。 這是今年迄今為止發現的大多數病例的地方。 在全國範圍內，疫苗在未來 6 週內仍然可用。 UKHSA 正在密切關注任何新病例，並與英國國家醫療服務體系 (NHSE) 及合作夥伴合作，評估全國各地疫苗供應的進一步選擇的可行性，特別是針對任何新的聚集性病例。 7 月底後，定期前往倫敦或國外發生性行為且有資格接種疫苗的人將能夠使用疫苗查找器在倫敦進行預約。 有資格接種疫苗的人包括同性戀、雙性戀或其他與有多個性伴侶的男性發生性行為、參加集體性行為或在場所進行性行為的男性。 在這些場所工作的員工也有資格。 UKHSA 首席醫療顧問蘇珊·霍普金斯教授表示： 我們應對最近病例上升的情況至關重要，這就是我們在倫敦擴大MPOX疫苗接種範圍的原因。 如果您居住在倫敦或經常在那裡或出國旅行並發生性行為且有資格接種疫苗者，請務必考慮。 疫苗接種計畫在 7 月底之前仍然在全國範圍內向符合條件的所有人開放，我敦促所有尚未接種第一劑或第二劑疫苗的人挺身而出。 雖然mpox感染對許多人來說是輕微的，但它可能會引起嚴重的症狀，包括不尋常的皮疹和水皰、發燒和頭痛，因此人們對風險保持警惕非常重要。 疫苗接種是減輕症狀嚴重程度和防止進一步傳播的關鍵。 衛生部長瑪麗亞·考爾菲爾德說： 由於採取了迅速行動，向最弱勢群體推出MPOX疫苗，近幾個月來全國範圍內的總體病例數非常低。 不過，我們必須保持警惕，鑑於最近倫敦發生的病例，延長首都第一劑和第二劑的mpox疫苗接種計畫是正確的。 請不要拖延，爭取最大程度的保護， 前往提供疫苗接種的性健康診所，以降低罹患重病的風險。

英國性健康和愛滋病毒協會 (BASHH) 主席 Claire Dewsnap 博士表示：

我們強烈鼓勵所有符合條件的人預約接種mpox疫苗，特別是考慮到最近病例激增令人擔憂。

一劑疫苗可提供針對病毒的保護，第二劑可進一步預防嚴重症狀和傳播。 當我們進入夏季時，這一點尤其重要，在此期間，節日和活動更加常見，增加了人們擁有多個性伴侶的可能性。

請聯繫您當地的性健康診所並詢問有關 MPOX 疫苗的信息，或者如果您已有預約，請務必利用這個機會了解有關 MPOX 疫苗接種的更多信息。 立即預訂 MPOX 疫苗接種來保護自己。

全國範圍內的病例數仍然較低，自今年年初以來，英國僅報告了 21 例 MPOX 病例。 政府仍然致力於持續減少MPOX的傳播，並實現消除該疾病在英國傳播的最終目標。

每個患有 MPOX 風險最高的人都有資格接種 2 劑疫苗； UKHSA 數據顯示，一劑疫苗在接種 14 天后可提供 78% 的病毒保護，第二劑旨在提供更長期的保護。

請在 NHS.UK 上查找離您最近的 MPOX 疫苗接種點。

英國衛生安全局新聞辦公室，諾貝爾之家，17 史密斯廣場，倫敦，SW1P 3JR

電子郵件ukhsa-pressoffice@ukhsa.gov.uk

Mpox vaccinations extended in London following recent spike in cases

Vaccinations against mpox are to be extended in London following a recent cluster of cases, with most in those who had not been vaccinated.

UK Health Security Agency / 16 June 2023 / aidsmap

The nationwide mpox outbreak vaccination programme is due to come to a close at the end of July. However, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced today that vaccinations will be available beyond this date in London after 11 new cases were diagnosed within the past few weeks.

The majority of these cases were in unvaccinated individuals and 3 were in those who had only received one dose. The highest risk from mpox is currently in London, primarily in interconnected sexual networks of gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men. This is where the majority of cases have been detected so far this year. Nationally, vaccine remains available for the next 6 weeks.

UKHSA is keeping a close eye on any new cases and is working with NHS England (NHSE) and partners to assess feasibility of further options for vaccine availability around the country, particularly in response to any new clusters. After the end of July, people who are regularly travelling to London or abroad to have sex and are eligible for the vaccine will be able to book a London-based appointment using the vaccine finder.

Those eligible for the vaccine include gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men who have multiple sexual partners, participate in group sex or attend sex on premises venues. Staff who work in these premises are also eligible.

Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said:

It is vital we respond to recent rises in cases, and that is why we are extending mpox vaccinations in London. If you live in London or regularly travel there or abroad and have sex and are eligible for vaccination, please do consider it.

The vaccination programme remains open nationwide for everyone eligible until the end of July, and I would urge all those who haven’t yet received their first or second dose to come forward.

While mpox infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms including unusual rashes and blisters, a fever and headache, so it’s important people remain alert to the risks. Vaccination is key to reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing further transmission.

Health Minister Maria Caulfield said:

Thanks to the swift action taken to roll out mpox vaccines to the most vulnerable, overall cases across the country have been very low in recent months.

However, we must remain vigilant, and in light of the recent cases in London, it is right to extend the mpox vaccination programme in the capital for first and second doses.

Please do not delay coming forward for the maximum protection. Visit a sexual health clinic offering the vaccination to reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill.

Dr Claire Dewsnap, President of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH), said:

We strongly encourage all those eligible to book an appointment to receive an mpox vaccination, especially given the worrying recent spike in cases.

One dose of the vaccine provides protection against the virus and the second dose can further prevent severe symptoms and transmission. This is particularly important as we move into the summer months, during which festivals and events are more common, increasing the likelihood for people to have multiple sexual partners.

Contact your local sexual health clinic and ask about the mpox vaccine, or if you have an existing appointment please do use this opportunity to find out more about mpox vaccination. Protect yourself by booking your mpox vaccination today.

Case numbers remain low nationwide with just 21 cases of mpox reported in the UK since the beginning of the year. The government remains committed to sustaining reduced transmission of mpox and achieving the ultimate goal of eliminating transmission of the disease in the UK.

Everyone at highest risk from mpox is eligible for 2 doses of the vaccine; UKHSA data has shown that one dose of the vaccine offers 78% protection against the virus from 14 days after receiving it, and the second dose aims to provide longer term protection.

Find your nearest mpox vaccination site on NHS.UK.

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