Health boosts vaccination against MPOX in line with WHO recommendation after end of emergency

The Ministry of Health calls for increased vaccination against monkeypox (MPOX) to prevent the disease, especially for people who may be at higher risk of contracting the disease. Following the end of the health emergency recently declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Health is following the recommendations of the international organisation not to lower its guard and to maintain its efforts for the long-term management of the disease.

In Spain, vaccination is recommended before being exposed to the virus (pre-exposure prophylaxis), for those susceptible to infection due to unprotected sexual behaviour and practices, or after having had contact with the virus (post-exposure prophylaxis), for all close contacts who have not been exposed to the disease.

With the message "Monkeypox (MPOX)? Because the virus has not gone away... Think about getting vaccinated", the Ministry of Health invites you to protect yourself against the Monkeypox virus by going to one of the vaccination centres, which can be found in all autonomous communities and cities.

The current pre-exposure vaccination strategy prioritises people who engage in unprotected sex, primarily, but not exclusively, gay men, bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), especially those who have a high number of sexual partners, engage in group sex and/or who have recently experienced STIs.

The communication campaign includes different materials that will be disseminated online: videos, infographics and banners.

The materials have been produced in coordination between the Ministry of Health, the National Epidemiology Centre of the Carlos III Health Institute, scientific associations and NGOs. The list of collaborating entities can be found here.

WHO recommendations

The fifth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee (IHR) on the multi-country outbreak of monkeypox held on 10 May 2005 noted a significant reduction in incidence and no change in the severity and clinical manifestation of the disease. As a result, the WHO declared the end of the international health emergency for MPOX.

At the same time, the WHO advised countries to remain vigilant in combating this virus, which has not disappeared. Among other measures, WHO member states, including Spain, have committed to continue making vaccines available for preventive (pre-exposure) and post-exposure vaccination for individuals and groups at high risk of infection.

Non official translation