The mpox vaccination programme has now re-opened and all axess clinics will be participating, starting with our Liverpool Linda McCartney Centre clinic. Please contact your preferred clinic to book in for a vaccination and to check they have vaccine in stock before booking an appointment. Alternatively you can book online.
You are eligible for a vaccine within axess if you are a gay, bisexual or other man who has sex with men (GBMSM).
Individuals (irrespective of gender or sexual orientation) who have frequent close and intimate (including sexual) contact with gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men at risk of mpox are also eligible for vaccination.
If you have already received the mpox vaccine (two doses of vaccine at least a month apart) you do not require any further vaccinations.
If you have had only one mpox vaccine or never received the vaccine, please contact us to book your vaccination.
There are two main types (clades) of mpox, clade I and clade II. Clade I mpox is classified as a high consequence infectious disease (HCID) and is currently is seen in people who have travelled to certain central and East African countries. Clade II Mpox is not a high consequence infection.
Mpox is usually a mild self-limiting illness, spread by very close contact with someone with mpox. Most people recover within a few weeks.
Although mpox can affect anyone, the majority of clade II cases are currently among gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men in the UK. Mpox is transmitted through close contact, so is likely being passed on during sex rather than sexual transmission.
Everyone is being asked to be aware of the mpox symptoms, but it’s important gay and bisexual men are alert as currently this is the group most affected.
Initial symptoms of MPOX include:
New unexpected or unusual spots, ulcers and blisters can develop anywhere on the body, including the face and other parts of the body including the hands, abdomen and genitals.
The spots can change and goes through different stages. They can look like chickenpox, anogenital herpes or syphilis, before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. Some people have only had one or a few spots.
If you have new unexpected or unexplained spots, ulcers or blisters anywhere on your body (including the face and/or genitals) or any of the other symptoms outlined below, then contact the axess sexual health service by phone (0300 323 1300) or call 111 or your GP for advice.
You have a rash with blisters or sores (ulcers) and have either:
Stay at home and avoid close contact with other people, including sharing towels or bedding, until you've been told what to do.
Call the clinic before visiting. Tell the person you speak to if you've had close contact with someone who has or might have mpox.
Click here for further NHS information on mpox.
