Regular Vaccination Is Crucial to Prevent Future Mpox Outbreaks in England, Researchers Emphasize
New research highlights that regular targeted vaccination programs for gay and bisexual men significantly reduce mpox outbreaks and save healthcare costs in England. Proactive vaccination strategies are crucial for effective disease control.
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.
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Research Confirms Daily Aspirin Offers No Long-Term Heart Disease Prevention in Older Adults
Recent research confirms that daily low-dose aspirin provides no long-term cardiovascular protection for healthy older adults and increases bleeding risks, suggesting a reevaluation of its use for primary prevention.
Innovative Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Treating Rare Fabry Disease
A groundbreaking gene therapy trial shows promising results in treating Fabry disease, potentially offering a one-time treatment option and improving patients' quality of life.
Optimal Spacing Intervals Enhance Long-Term Memory Retention
Discover how spaced repetition and strategic review intervals significantly boost long-term memory retention and effective learning strategies.
Understanding Why Sleep Deprivation Exacerbates Migraine Symptoms
New research uncovers how sleep deprivation worsens migraine symptoms by impairing the brain's pain modulation mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of good sleep for migraine sufferers.