Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a rare infection caused by a similar virus to smallpox and it’s most commonly found in west or central Africa.

However, cases have been reported in the UK and a recent rise might have you wondering if you can get a vaccination to protect yourself against it despite the risk of catching it being low, according to the NHS.

Mpox can be passed from person to person through any close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs. This includes sexual contact, kissing, cuddling or holding hands.

It can also be passed on when touching clothing, bedding or towels that have been used by those with mpox and if you’re close to someone with mpox who is coughing or sneezing.

The NHS website adds that those in some parts of west or central Africa may get mpox from infected rodents such as rats, squirrels or mice if you’re bitten, you touch their fur, skin, blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs or you eat their meat that hasn’t been cooked thoroughly.

Is there an mpox vaccine in the UK?

The NHS said: “Although more people have been diagnosed with it recently, only a small number of people in the UK have had mpox and the risk remains low.”

Anyone can get mpox but the health service added that you’re extremely unlikely to have mpox if you haven’t been in close contact with someone who has it or has symptoms or if you haven’t travelled to west or central Africa.

The UK is offering a vaccine but it is very limited as it’s only available in London and Greater Manchester currently.

The smallpox (MVA) vaccine should provide a good protection against mpox, says the NHS.

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It is being offered to those who are most likely to be exposed to mpox and it’s available to men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with other men, and who have multiple partners, participate in group sex or attend sex-on-premises venues as well as staff who work at sex-on-premises venues.

To get vaccinated at a mpox vaccination site, you don’t need to be registered with a GP.

You can find your closest vaccination site via the NHS website.