Regular Vaccination Is Crucial to Prevent Future Mpox Outbreaks in England, Researchers Emphasize

Recent research underscores the importance of maintaining a routine vaccination program tailored for gay and bisexual men to effectively curb future mpox outbreaks in England. The study, led collaboratively by the University of Bristol, the UK Health Security Agency, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, evaluated the most cost-efficient vaccination strategies to prevent the spread of mpox, previously known as monkeypox.

The findings reveal that all vaccination approaches significantly decrease the likelihood of outbreaks and reduce associated public health costs, while also enhancing the quality of life for those at risk. Notably, continuous vaccination efforts, with an increase during outbreak periods, emerged as the most effective and cost-saving strategy. Over a span of ten years, this method alone could save the NHS approximately £9 million and lower projected cases from 11,000 to just 1,000.

Professor Peter Vickerman, a senior author and infectious disease modeling expert, explained that proactive vaccination not only limits the spread of mpox but also offers better health outcomes and substantial financial savings for healthcare services. The research utilized data from the 2022 outbreak in England—primarily affecting gay and bisexual men—and modeled various vaccination scenarios to estimate their impact and costs.

While mpox remains rare globally, an expanding outbreak of the Clade Ib strain is occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa, spreading through household contact and close interactions, including sexual contact. The study primarily focused on sexual network transmission within gay and bisexual men, but future plans aim to explore transmission dynamics among the broader population, including heterosexual interactions.

Dr. Sema Mandal from the UK Health Security Agency highlighted the vital role of vaccination in reducing mpox cases and preventing future outbreaks, emphasizing the ease of access to vaccination in England for high-risk groups.

Overall, the research advocates for sustained and adaptable vaccination strategies as a key tool in controlling mpox and safeguarding public health.