The UK is set to run out of monkeypox vaccines within the next five to 15 days. This is alarming considering the country has some of the highest case rates in the world, with some worried that the disease could soon reach endemic status if not better contained.
The country looks set to have used up all available vaccines within two weeks, which leaves a month-long wait until the next batch comes through in September. The majority of these treatments are earmarked for London, which has the most cases, leaving other parts of the country more vulnerable.
An NHS England letter revealed that there are only 8,300 doses of the jab left, leaving sexual-health doctors worried the NHS will be unable to inoculate those most at risk of the infection.
Dr Claire Dewsnap, of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, said the vaccine (called Imvanex) would run out imminently and that immediate action needed to be taken.
She added: ‘Without urgent action to procure more vaccines and avoid a gap in supply, we risk the disease spreading further throughout the UK and becoming an endemic public health challenge.’
Clinics are also struggling to book in new patients, only administering the jab for those with prior appointments.
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