Mpox is a viral infection transmitted through close physical contact, including intimate and sexual contact, and vaccination now helps protect those at increased risk.
Mpox is a viral infection that can be transmitted through close physical contact, including intimate and sexual contact. Although most infections are self-limiting, mpox can cause a painful and distressing illness and, in some cases, lead to serious complications.
Following outbreaks in Europe, North America and other parts of the world, mpox has become an increasingly important consideration within modern sexual health medicine. Vaccination now plays a valuable role in protecting individuals at increased risk of exposure.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus family. Symptoms typically develop several days to a few weeks after exposure and may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, fatigue and a characteristic rash.
The rash may appear anywhere on the body but frequently affects the genital, anal and surrounding skin. Lesions can be painful and are sometimes mistaken for herpes, syphilis or other sexually transmitted infections.
Whilst most individuals recover fully, symptoms can occasionally be severe and may require medical treatment or hospital admission.
Mpox spreads primarily through close physical contact.
Transmission may occur through:
Although mpox is not classified solely as a sexually transmitted infection, many recent outbreaks have spread predominantly through sexual networks involving close physical contact.
Mpox vaccination is generally recommended for individuals considered to be at increased risk of exposure.
This may include:
Eligibility criteria may change over time depending on national guidance and local epidemiology.
The vaccine currently used for mpox in the UK is based on a non-replicating smallpox vaccine and provides significant protection against mpox infection.
Whilst no vaccine offers complete protection, vaccination appears to reduce both the likelihood of infection and the severity of illness should infection occur.
Vaccination has played an important role in controlling recent outbreaks and reducing rates of severe disease.
The recommended schedule depends on individual circumstances and current public health guidance.
Many individuals receive a two-dose course, although recommendations may vary according to previous vaccination history, risk profile and vaccine availability.
We can advise on eligibility, timing and current recommendations during consultation.
The mpox vaccine has been extensively evaluated and has a reassuring safety profile.
Most side effects are mild and temporary and may include:
Serious side effects are uncommon.
Mpox can cause a painful, distressing and occasionally severe illness. Vaccination offers an effective means of reducing risk, particularly for those with increased likelihood of exposure.
As with many aspects of preventative medicine, protecting against infection is often considerably preferable to managing illness after it has developed.
At The Wright Practice, we assess mpox vaccination as part of a broader personalised sexual health strategy. We consider individual risk factors, sexual practices, travel history and current public health recommendations to determine whether vaccination is likely to provide meaningful benefit.
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