Avail of HPV and mpox vaccination at this year’s Belfast Pride to help protect yourself!

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people who are eligible to avail of the HPV and mpox vaccinations at the Belfast Pride Festival on Saturday 27 July.

A team of healthcare professionals from the PHA and vaccinators from the South Eastern Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust will be located at Pride village in Custom House Square during the festival.

Dr Rachel Coyle, Consultant at the PHA, said: “We are strongly encouraging those attending this year’s Belfast Pride Festival who are eligible for vaccination, to make use of this opportunity and help protect themselves against both HPV and mpox.

HPV vaccine

“The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that's spread through skin contact (usually when having sex). Most types of HPV are harmless, but some are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer and genital warts. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are at higher risk from HPV and therefore are encouraged to protect themselves though vaccination.

“The vaccine is available to gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men up to and including those aged 45 years of age.

Mpox vaccine

“Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), is still in circulation in the UK but there are things you can do to protect yourself. Vaccination protects against mpox and has played a vital role in reducing spread.

“Mpox can be passed on through close physical contact, including during sex. Anyone can be affected by mpox. The majority of cases reported in the UK are among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, so it’s particularly important to protect yourself if you are a gay or bisexual man.

“The mpox vaccine is safe and it works. It’s particularly beneficial for men who have multiple male sexual partners, or who go to sex-on-premises venues.

“To find out more about either vaccine come and have a chat at the PHA stand and you can get a first or second dose of vaccination if you’re eligible.

“You will also be able to speak to staff who will be on hand to signpost and provide information about other sexually transmitted infections and ways in which you can protect yourself.”

More information on the HPV vaccination for gay and bisexual men can be found here

Information on the vaccine used to prevent mpox is available here.

For further information on mpox and what to do if you think you may have contracted mpox see www.gov.uk/guidance/monkeypox