Monkeypox vaccine walk-in opens to eligible in Oldham

More than 1,500 people have been vaccinated so far against monkeypox in Greater Manchester with another clinic now announced for this Saturday, August 20 for people who are eligible for the vaccine and have used sexual health clinics across Greater Manchester.

The clinic will be held starting at 9am at The Vaccination Hub, located on 193 Hathersage Road in Manchester (M13 0JE).

Almost 800 people were vaccinated at walk-ins over the previous two weekends, but these were only open to people who use Manchester’s sexual health service – not Oldham’s.

Last week’s clinic saw some people waiting more than five-and-a-half hours, so those wanting the vaccine should aim to get there early.

A smallpox vaccination is being offered to people who are most at risk right now to help protect them against monkeypox.

As monkeypox is caused by a virus similar to smallpox, vaccines against smallpox are expected to prevent or reduce the severity of the monkeypox infection.

There is a limited supply of the MVA vaccine, so initially, one dose is being offered to those at highest risk first.

Case rates in Oldham are currently low – with just one case reportedly detected.

However, health leaders have warned Oldhamers to remain careful, with Manchester Pride coming at the end of the month.

The eligibility requirements

The vaccine will be available to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as trans women and non-binary people, at the highest risk of getting monkeypox.

For example, if people have multiple partners, participate in group sex or attend ‘sex on premises’ venues, people with a recent bacterial sexually transmitted infection and those eligible for PREP (the preventative drug for HIV transmission), people who have had recent close contact with someone infected with monkeypox, and healthcare workers caring for and due to start caring for a patient with the virus.

The site of the walk-in

People will be eligible if they fit these requirements and have previously used one of the following providers in Greater Manchester.

Unlike previous walk-ins, those who last used the service more than 12 months ago won’t be ineligible.

Sexual health services

HCRG Care Group

• Oldham Integrated Care Centre
• Glodwick Primary Care Centre
• Royton Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Failsworth Primary Care Centre (all Oldham)
• Nye Bevan House
• Croft Shifa Health Centre
• Middleton Health Centre
• Heywood Clinic (all Rochdale)
• Bury Townside Primary Care Centre
• Radcliffe Primary Care Centre

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust

• Bolton Centre for Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Shine Sexual Health Service (Salford)

Locala

• The Choices Centre (Stockport)
• The Orange Rooms (Tameside)]

The Northern

• Hathersage Centre
• North Manchester General Hospital
• Withington Community Hospital

Also:

• Trafford Sexual Health Service (Trafford and Urmston clinics)
• Spectrum Community Health CIC (Wigan)

General Practice (GPs)

• The Docs, Manchester

What health leaders have to say

Dr Chris Ward, consultant in sexual health and HIV, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust said: “We’re expecting to vaccinate up to 400 people on Saturday and would encourage people to come prepared for the weather, sun or rain with hats, umbrellas and water.

“Please remember, that as with any vaccine, it won’t give 100% protection, and won’t be effective straight away, so stay alert for symptoms and call NHS 111 or a local sexual health clinic if you have signs of monkeypox, even if it’s just one spot.

“Remember that there are lots of other reasons that people may have rashes and spots, so please be supportive of others and be kind.”

Jane Pilkington, director of population health for NHS Greater Manchester said: “We’re really pleased to offer another weekend clinic for people most at risk of getting monkeypox.

“We recognise people’s frustrations at the limited vaccine supply available and want to reassure people that we are doing all we can to afford as many people as possible protection.

“We are expecting to receive more vaccines in late September and will contact people eligible and keep the public informed in due course.

“Thank you to our partners in health and care, and across the voluntary sector for once again pulling out all the stops and going the extra mile to boost vaccinations and share important information with people at risk.”

How monkeypox is transmitted

• Any close physical contact with monkeypox blisters or scabs (including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling, or holding hands).
• Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with monkeypox.
• The coughs or sneezes of a person with monkeypox when they're close to you.

Monkeypox signs and symptoms

According to the NHS, it can take between five and 21 days for symptoms to appear after you first get infected with monkeypox.

Monkeypox. Photos: UKHSA (Image: UKHSA)

Symptoms include:

• a high temperature
• a headache
• muscle aches
• backache
• swollen glands
• shivering (chills)
• exhaustion
• joint pain

A rash, which is sometimes confused with chickenpox, usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms, often beginning on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. This can include the mouth, genitals, and anus.

What to do if you think you might have it or could get it

Those who think they have monkeypox or have come into contact with someone who has monkeypox should isolate, and can find information on Oldham’s Sexual Health Hub or call the Sexual Health Hub on 0300 303 8565. Information is also available on the NHS website.

The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that there will be no further doses delivered until late in September, so all vaccines are being given from existing stock.