At risk of Mpox? Avail of vaccination to protect yourself at this year’s Belfast Pride!

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people who are eligible to avail of the mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) vaccinations at the Belfast Pride Festival on Saturday 29 July.

A team of healthcare professionals from the PHA, vaccinators from the South Eastern Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust and sexual health staff from the Belfast HSC Trust will be in place from 12pm, with the main Pride parade scheduled to take place at around 1pm before returning to the Pride Village in Custom House Square at around 2.30pm.

Dr Gillian Armstrong, Health Protection 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 mpox.

“While there have been no new cases of mpox in Northern Ireland since 2022, a recent rise in cases in London means we must not be complacent. Vaccination rates are not as high as they could be, with only 43% of those eligible in Northern Ireland availing of a first dose and 63% receiving a second dose.

 “Vaccination has played a vital role in reducing spread and protecting people and we know that in the majority of cases where someone has had two doses, they have developed good antibodies against it.

“Anyone can be affected by mpox, but the majority of cases reported are among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).

 “The infection is primarily being passed on through close contact between people in linked sexual networks.

“Those eligible for the vaccine include GBMSM who have multiple sexual partners, and those who participate in group sex or attend sex on premises venues.

 “It also includes healthcare workers looking after or due to start looking after a patient with mpox, or anyone who has already had close contact with a person with mpox.

“You can come to the PHA stall at Pride with any questions you might have about mpox and get a first or second dose of vaccination if you’re eligible.

“You will also be able to speak to colleagues from the GUM clinic who will be on hand to signpost and provide information about other sexually transmitted infections and ways in which you can protect yourself including advice on recent changes the HPV vaccination schedule as well.”

What is mpox?

• It is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox, although it is much less severe.
• Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, swellings, back pain, aching muscles.
• Once the fever breaks a blistering rash can develop, often beginning on the face or genitals and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash goes through several stages which include flat spots, raised spots, blisters and then scabbing.
• Anyone with the virus should abstain from sex while they have symptoms, to help prevent passing it on to others.
• Vaccination protects against mpox.

Information on the smallpox vaccination used to treat 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

ENDS