Tag: vaccination

RSV maternal vaccine cuts baby hospital admissions by up to 85%

Largest real-world study in England confirms premature infants protected by vaccination

A new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) study  Maternal RSV vaccination and reduced risk of hospitalisation for babies in England 2024/25, clearly shows the maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme is providing over 80% protection for newborn infants, including those born prematurely.

The study found vaccination at least 2 weeks before the birth gave 81.3% protection. A narrow range of statistical uncertainty, 78.9% to 83.4%, means there is high confidence in the protective effect of the vaccine.  

The study, which analysed data from the first year of vaccine roll out (24/25), is believed to be the largest study in the world evaluating the effect of maternal RSV vaccination in preventing infants being hospitalised for RSV chest infection.  

RSV causes  bronchiolitis (infection and inflammation of the small airways of the lung) and is a major cause of hospital admission in infants.      

The maternal vaccination programme is offered to women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to protect newborns.  

The study followed nearly 300,000 babies born between September 2024 and March 2025, representing around 90% of all births in England during this period. Using routinely collected electronic health records, UKHSA researchers assessed the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing hospital admissions. More than 4,500 hospitalisations occurred in this cohort, the vast majority in infants whose mothers had not been vaccinated.  

Getting the vaccine on time was best (in week 28 or soon after that), as babies born at least 4 weeks after their mother was vaccinated had nearly 85% protection. But importantly, even vaccination later in pregnancy still gives some protection, with vaccination as close as 10 to 13 days before birth reducing hospital admissions by 50%.  

The study, which will be presented today (18 Apri)l at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) global conference, also found that premature babies, who are particularly vulnerable to RSV, can be well protected, provided there is at least 2 weeks between vaccination and birth.  

Matt Wilson, Epidemiologist at UKHSA, presenter and lead author, said:  “Our evaluation of the first season of the programme in England gives important confirmation that maternal RSV vaccination is highly protective for newborn infants, over 80%, and that effectiveness reached nearly 85% when vaccination occurred at least 4 weeks before birth.  

“These findings are also particularly important for preterm infants, who are among the most vulnerable to severe RSV infection.  With sufficient time between vaccination and birth, we saw good levels of protection in these babies.

“Giving the vaccination early in the third trimester, as recommended by the World Health Organization, could protect most preterm infants, so it’s important that midwives and other healthcare workers offer vaccination on time with the schedule – and that pregnant women promptly take it up.”

Maternal RSV vaccine uptake in England continues to climb, reaching 55% during the study period and the latest data showing uptake rising to 64.1% for women who gave birth in November 2025.

Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, one of the senior authors and national  programme lead for RSV, said:  “RSV can cause life-threatening chest infections for babies. Half of newborns will have caught RSV before they are a year old. As an expectant parent you have no idea if they are going to be severely ill or not.   

“Our analysis of the RSV vaccination programme in England is important confirmation of the results from the clinical trial, but this study is 40 times bigger and clearly shows the hugely beneficial effect on reducing hospital admission.

“Getting vaccinated in week 28 of pregnancy or soon after gives excellent protection to both term and preterm babies when they are tiny and most vulnerable to severe RSV. The RSV vaccine gives a brilliant boost to the pregnant woman’s immune system so it can pass antibodies through the placenta and protect the baby from the day they are born.”

Public Health Scotland: Update on Meningitis

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), other public health colleagues across the UK and NHS Boards in Scotland, to monitor the outbreak of meningitis in Kent.  

There are currently no cases known to be linked to this outbreak in Scotland and therefore no evidence of any increased risk here. 

Dr Jim McMenamin, Head of Health Protection Infection Services at PHS is encouraging everyone to be aware of signs and symptoms of meningitis: “Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia can be very serious and life threatening if not treated quickly. 

“Signs and symptoms include a sudden high temperature, severe and worsening headache, a stiff neck, joint and muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, a rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, confusion, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, a dislike of bright lights, and seizures (fits). These symptoms can appear in any order, but some may not appear. 

“If you or anyone you know develops symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Phone 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department. Phone 111 or your GP practice for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.”

Vaccination against meningitis

The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) continues to review evidence on the most effective use of meningococcal vaccines within the UK routine schedule.

There are currently no plans to offer MenB vaccination outside the existing routine childhood schedule, other than for those identified by the Incident Response Team in Kent.

Two different types of meningococcal vaccines are available in Scotland and are part of routine immunisation programmes for children and young people.  

  • The Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine was introduced in 2015 and is offered to infants and young children under 2 years old.
  • The Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine is offered to all young people in S3 as part of the school-based immunisation programme. This vaccine protects against disease caused by meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.

Anyone who has missed the MenACWY vaccine offer can still receive this up to their 25th birthday. Visit www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents to find out how to catch up.

Parents are encouraged to check if their children are up to date on their vaccinations. For information on how to check your own or your child’s vaccination history, please visit: www.nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations

More information on signs and symptoms of meningitis is available at 

www.nhsinform.scot/meningitis

Flu cases starting to stabilise but UKHSA urges people to take measures to reduce further spread over Christmas

Weekly UKHSA report for the 2025/26 season, monitoring respiratory viruses as people are encouraged to take simple steps to protect themselves

Flu levels are beginning to stabilise for the first time this season, according to the latest surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). After an early start to the season and a sharp spike in recent weeks, the flu positivity rate is starting to decrease.

These are encouraging signals but it’s too early to say if flu has peaked this season and UKHSA is encouraging everyone to continue following good hygiene measures, with limited time now left to get a flu vaccine ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.

Flu is an unpredictable virus and while there is currently evidence that it is plateauing, the flu season is not yet over with the virus previously peaking well into January and February. Vaccination helps provide the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation for those at higher risk, so getting vaccinated now will help to protect against flu viruses that may circulate later in the winter months.  

There are simple measures that can be taken to help reduce the spread of flu this winter. Washing your hands regularly, making sure indoor spaces are well ventilated and if you have symptoms, stay home where possible. If you need to go out, consider wearing a face covering, particularly if visiting vulnerable people.  

Those who are eligible for the flu vaccine are at most risk of serious complications from flu. This includes everyone over 65, those who are pregnant, young infants and those with certain long-term health conditions.

For children who missed out on their school immunisation programme, parents are reminded that they can still get them vaccinated in local community clinics. Pregnant women can also get vaccinated through maternity services.

Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA: “With Christmas just around the corner, it’s reassuring to see that flu levels are now starting to stabilise, but flu is notoriously unpredictable and can bounce back and peak a second time in the new year and so we’re urging people to continue taking sensible steps over the festive period to help stop the spread.

“There are simple steps we can all take to protect one another when mixing indoors. If you have flu or COVID-19 symptoms, including a high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, you should try to minimise contact with others, especially those more vulnerable.

“Washing hands regularly and ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated helps and we advise those who have symptoms and need to go out, to consider wearing a face covering.

“For anyone eligible who is still not vaccinated, it’s not too late to get protected for the rest of the winter, but time is running out.

“Please make an appointment as soon as you can as vaccination can make all the difference in preventing severe illness and hospitalisation. By continuing to take these precautions, we can all do our bit to reduce the chances of another spike.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/2001684097412837648

In the week between 8 and 14 December 2025: 

  • influenza activity is stabilising in most indicators but still circulating at medium levels  
  • COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels
  • respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at medium levels 

The flu, COVID-19 and RSV surveillance report and the national norovirus and rotavirus surveillance reports: 2025 to 2026 season are published weekly.

Flu surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December) 

In week 49:

  • flu activity is stabilising in most indicators but still circulating at medium levels
  • flu positivity remained stable with a weekly mean positivity rate of 20.7% compared with 21% in the previous week. Positivity started to decrease in the later days of the week
  • overall, flu hospitalisations were stabilising at 10.32 per 100,000 compared with 10.19 per 100,000 in the previous week

For the 2025-26 season’s vaccination programme, children and pregnant women have been eligible since 1 September, with other groups eligible from 1 October.

Up to the end of week 50 (14 December), vaccine uptake stands at:

  • 38.6% in those aged under 65 years with one or more long term health conditions
  • 36.5% in all pregnant women
  • 72.8% in all those aged over 65 years
  • 42.1% in children aged 2 years and 43.1% in children aged 3 years

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December)

In week 49:

  • RSV activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at medium levels
  • the overall weekly hospital admission rate for RSV was increasing at 3.70 per 100,000 compared with 3.35 per 100,000 in the previous week
  • emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis increased  

COVID-19 surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December)

In week 49: 

  • COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels
  • COVID-19 positivity decreased slightly to 1.9% from 2.1% in the previous week
  • COVID-19 hospitalisations were decreasing slightly at 1.02 per 100,000 compared with 1.10 per 100,000 in the previous week 
  • COVID-19 ICU admissions remained low at 0.05 per 100,000 compared with 0.03 per 100,000 in the previous week 

Norovirus surveillance data between weeks 49 to 50 (1 December to 14 December 2025)

In week 49:

  • norovirus activity has increased in recent weeks but remains within expected levels
  • total norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 of 2025 were comparable to the 5-season average (4.9% lower) for the same 2-week period
  • overall, norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 were 29.8% higher than during the previous 2-week period
  • the rate of norovirus reports has started to increase in individuals aged 65 years and over and is now comparable to the reporting rate among individuals aged 0 to 4 years
  • total rotavirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 of 2025 were comparable to the 5-season average (2.0% lower) for the same 2-week period
  • the number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2025/2026 season is 48.5% lower than the 5-season average
  • during the 2025/2026 season to date, the majority (83.3%) of samples characterised were norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), of which the most frequent genotype identified was GII.4 (31.1%)
  • in recent weeks GII.4 has emerged as the predominant genotype and detections of GII.17 have decreased

Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: Norovirus has increased recently but remains within expected levels. With the festive season upon us, it’s important to remember the simple steps we can take to prevent the spread of norovirus.

“At the moment, the highest rate of cases are in children and people aged over 65. If your child has any symptoms, keep them off school or nursery until 48 hours after their symptoms stop. If you’re unwell, don’t visit hospitals and care homes to prevent spreading the infection to older and vulnerable people and don’t go to work or prepare food for others until 48 hours after your symptoms end.

“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Hand sanitiser does not kill norovirus, so don’t rely on it alone.”

NHS Lothian to introduce flu prevention measures in hospitals

NHS Lothian is taking some urgent precautions to help protect patients and staff against flu this winter.

A surge in flu cases is being anticipated in Lothian, similar to those already identified across Scotland and the UK.

To prepare and protect, all staff are being urged to get vaccinated and to wear face masks in front door and high-risk areas, such as Intensive Care or cancer wards, in a bid to stop the spread.

Visitors are still very welcome in hospitals, but NHS Lothian is also asking for help to minimise the risk of transmission between the community and hospital to protect some of the most vulnerable patients.

Relatives and friends are being asked not to visit if they have a temperature, flu-like symptoms or any vomiting or diarrhoea symptoms.

From 8am on Monday December 15, they are also being asked to reduce the numbers of visitors to one or two and where possible not to bring children under the age of 12 into hospital for visiting.

Visitors and those attending hospital for outpatient appointments are also being encouraged to consider wearing a mask or face covering, and use the hand gel provided.

Point of care testing will also continue in the Emergency Department for children’s and adult services to identify patients who have flu and ensure they are cared for in isolation or with other patients with flu on admission to hospital.

Michelle Carr, Chief Officer of Acute Services, NHS Lothian, said: “We are monitoring the situation across Scotland and the UK very closely and we are keen to take some actions to protect our patients, staff and services to help minimise the effects of flu.

“Vaccination is the first line of defence against flu. If you are eligible, we would urge you to make an appointment as soon as possible.

“We are also taking some common sense steps to protect our hospitals, our patients and our teams. We are asking visitors not to come if they are feeling unwell, to reduce the size of their visiting party and not to bring children under the age of 12. Members of the public should consider wearing a face covering or mask when attending our hospitals.

“These steps will help us reduce the spread of flu and protect our lifesaving services so they are there for those who need them most.”

For information on visiting go to: Visitors – Going to Hospital

Flu cases on the rise: Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics across the city

With flu cases continuing to rise, NHS Lothian has organised a number of pop-up vaccinations in community facilities across the city:

TODAY (THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER)

HAYS COMMUNITY HUB, (PLACES FOR PEOPLE) HAY AVENUE

Tron Kirk Moredun-1-Vaccination 1 (1)Download

TOMORROW – FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER

TRON KIRK MOREDUN CHURCH, CRAIGOUR GARDENS

Royston Wardieburn-1-Vaccination 1 (1)Download

MONDAY 15 DECEMBER

ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE, PILTON DRIVE NORTH

Craigentinny (1)-1-Vaccination 1 (2)Download

THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER

CRAIGENTINNY COMMUNITY CENTRE, LOANING ROAD

Gorgie Church-1-Vaccination 1 (1)Download

FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER

GORGIE CHURCH, GORGIE ROAD

Richmond Craigmillar Church (1)Download

TUESDAY 23 DECEMBER

RICHMOND CRAIGMILLAR CHURCH, NIDDRIE MAINS ROAD

Update on measles in Scotland – ensure everyone in your family is fully protected

Cases of Measles are on the rise across the world, so we encourage everyone to make sure you have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS, explains more:

As measles cases continue to increase across the world, including in England where outbreaks continue, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is continuing to encourage the public to take up the offer of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Having two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to be fully protected against measles.

As of 9 July, there have been 27 cases of laboratory confirmed measles in Scotland in 2025.

Measles can be a very serious condition, causing pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and can affect people of any age if they have not been vaccinated. 

The MMR vaccine protects against measles with the first dose offered to children between 12-13 months, and the second dose offered at 3 years 4 months. If it’s missed at these times, it can be given at any age.  

Uptake of MMR has declined across all UK nations in recent years and there remains a risk of infection in those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated for their age.

Health care workers should also have two doses of MMR and are advised to speak to with their employer or occupational health department if they haven’t been fully vaccinated.  

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS said: “Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications for some people. 

“We’ve seen a modest decline in vaccination rates in Scotland over the last decade which is a concern as measles can spread quickly in communities where vaccination rates are low.

“That’s why we’re encouraging anyone who hasn’t had two doses of the free MMR vaccine, as well as parents and carers of children who have missed a dose, to visit the NHS Inform website and find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area.

“We would also encourage those who are planning to travel anytime soon to ensure that you and your children are up to date with all your vaccinations before leaving the country.”

For more information on the history of measles, read our blog Measles – a clear and continuing threat.

More information on measles, including what to do if you think someone in your family has symptoms, can be found on Measles | NHS inform.

Further information on how to check you / your child is fully protected can be found on MMR against measles | NHS inform.

Health protection teams and other health professionals can find the latest measles public health guidance here: Guidance for professionals – Measles and find the latest campaign assets here.

Updates on case numbers are published on our data and surveillance page every Thursday.

https://publichealthscotland.scot/news/2025/july/update-on-measles-in-scotland-ensure-everyone-in-your-family-is-fully-protected

Christmas saw anticipated rise in flu, latest UKHSA data shows

Public urged to prevent further ‘new year spread’ by following good hygiene and taking up ‘final chance’ vaccines where still available

Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency shows the anticipated increase in flu activity over the festive season, as people are urged to protect themselves this New Year.

UKHSA’s COVID-19, influenza (flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and norovirus surveillance bulletin shows that flu is now circulating at high levels, with positivity increasing to 29.5% in week 52, compared to 26.4% the previous week (51) and 21.7% in week 50. 

The overall weekly hospital admission rate for influenza increased to 14.09 per 100,000 in week 52, compared with 10.69 per 100,000 the previous week (51) and 8.72 per 100,000 in week 50.

Vaccination offers the best protection against serious illness and hospitalisation, particularly for those who are vulnerable or elderly. While the national booking system for flu vaccination closed on 19 December, eligible groups are reminded that they can still book their vaccination through their GP surgery or local pharmacy where available.

Flu is currently at high levels and often circulates for many weeks through the course of winter. Vaccination will provide those eligible with the best protection.

Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “For many of us, the festive period is marked with parties and socialising with friends and family, meaning it’s not unusual to see an increase in flu at this time of year and this was anticipated.

“This is why we have been urging those eligible to take up a free flu vaccine. The good news if you did, is that you are less likely to be severely affected by flu. If you’re still offered a vaccine through local services, you should take it up as we could see high levels for some weeks still. This is particularly important if you’re a health and social care worker, as we know these services are under significant winter pressures right now.

“If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.

“If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should wear a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.”

UKHSA’s surveillance bulletin shows that COVID-19 levels decreased over the festive period, with RSV also decreasing. Although COVID-19 is currently circulating at low levels, this could change in the coming winter months. Vaccination against RSV is being offered for the first time to anyone who is 28 or more weeks pregnant, along with people aged 75 to 79 years.

Covid: UK is first country to approve dual-strain vaccine

The UK has become the first country to approve a dual vaccine which tackles both the original Covid virus and the newer Omicron variant. The vaccine will now be part of the autumn booster campaign.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has published its advice on which vaccines should be used in this year’s autumn booster programme.

All of the available boosters provide good protection against severe illness from COVID-19 and the Committee has emphasised that getting a booster in good time before the winter season is more important for those eligible than the type of vaccine that is received.

The vaccines advised for use in the autumn booster programme are:

For adults aged 18 years and above:

  • Moderna mRNA (Spikevax) bivalent Omicron BA.1/Original ‘wild-type’ vaccine
  • Moderna mRNA (Spikevax) Original ‘wild-type’ vaccine
  • Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA (Comirnaty) Original ‘wild-type’ vaccine
  • in exceptional circumstances, the Novavax Matrix-M adjuvanted wild-type vaccine (Nuvaxovid) may be used when no alternative clinically suitable UK-approved COVID-19 vaccine is available

For people aged 12 to 17 years:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA (Comirnaty) Original ‘wild-type’ vaccine

For people aged 5 to 11 years:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA (Comirnaty) Original ‘wild-type’ vaccine paediatric formulation

‘Bivalent’ vaccines have been developed by global manufacturers since the emergence and dominance of the Omicron variant. These vaccines contain two different antigens (substances that induce an immune response) based on two different COVID-19 strains, or variants. The original mRNA vaccines contain one antigen (monovalent), based on the original ‘wild-type’ strain.

Studies indicate the Moderna bivalent vaccine produces a marginally higher immune response against some variants than the Moderna mRNA Original ‘wild-type’ vaccine. The clinical relevance of these small differences is uncertain.

The committee will consider further bivalent vaccines for use in the programme as they are approved by the MHRA.

In its latest advice the JCVI has stated that, where feasible, it would be preferable for a single type of booster vaccine to be offered throughout the duration of the autumn programme for simplicity of deployment.

Professor Wei Shen Lim, Chair of COVID-19 immunisation on the JCVI, said: “All of the available booster vaccines offer very good protection against severe illness from COVID-19. As more vaccines continue to be developed and approved, the JCVI will consider the benefits of including them in the UK programme.

“It is important that everyone who is eligible takes up a booster this autumn, whichever vaccine is on offer. This will increase your protection against being severely ill from COVID-19 as we move into winter.”

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at UKHSA, said: “Although cases of COVID-19 are relatively low at present, we are expecting to see the virus circulating more widely during the winter months.

“The booster is being offered to those at higher risk of severe illness and by taking up the booster vaccine this autumn, you will increase your protection ahead of the winter months, when respiratory viruses are typically at their peak.”

Monkeypox vaccine to be offered more widely to help control outbreak

UK Health Security Agency publishes new guidance on offering the Imvanex vaccine to men considered to be at higher risk of exposure.

A strategy published today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recommends that some gay and bisexual men at higher risk of exposure to monkeypox should be offered vaccines to help control the recent outbreak of the virus.

Although anyone can contract monkeypox, data from the latest outbreak shows higher levels of transmission within – but not exclusive to – the sexual networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

The virus is not currently defined as a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be passed on by close and intimate contact that occurs during sex.

In response, the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) vaccination strategy recommends offering the smallpox vaccine Imvanex, which is shown to be effective against monkeypox, to men considered to be at higher risk of exposure.

The strategy is endorsed by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which was consulted on the eligibility criteria for the vaccine.

An individual’s eligibility would depend on a number of factors but would be similar to the criteria used to assess those eligible for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) – but applied regardless of HIV status.

The strategy states that a clinician may advise vaccination for someone who, for example, has multiple partners, participates in group sex or attends ‘sex on premises’ venues.

NHS England is due to set out details on how eligible people can get vaccinated shortly. People are advised not to come forward for the vaccine until contacted.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at UKHSA, said: “Our extensive contact tracing work has helped to limit the spread of the monkeypox virus, but we are continuing to see a notable proportion of cases in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. By expanding the vaccine offer to those at higher risk, we hope to break chains of transmission and help contain the outbreak.

“Although most cases are mild, severe illness can occur in some people, so it is important we use the available vaccine to target groups where spread is ongoing. The NHS will soon set out details on how this will be delivered – so do not come forward for the vaccine yet.

“In the meantime, everyone should continue to be alert to any new spots, ulcers or blisters on any part of their body, particularly if they’ve had close contact with a new partner. If you think you have these symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call NHS 111 or your local sexual health centre, though please phone ahead before attending.”

Alex Sparrowhawk, Health Promotion Specialist at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “This targeted vaccination programme is a positive move forward while the data still shows monkeypox is disproportionately affecting gay and bisexual men in the UK.

“We encourage everyone, regardless of their sexuality, to be vigilant about new spots, ulcers and blisters. We are continuing to closely monitor the latest data in order to play our part in providing the latest guidance and health information on monkeypox, to empower the communities most affected to best protect their health.”

Robbie de Santos, Director of Communications and External Affairs at Stonewall, said: “While we know anyone can catch monkeypox, we welcome the vaccine being offered to those gay and bi men who are eligible and currently at a higher risk of getting the virus.

“It is important that gay and bi men get the vaccine when offered to protect themselves and others. Let’s help get the outbreak under control so we can all have a safe and happy pride season.”

UKHSA is now publishing a regular data report on monkeypox in the UK. The report will be published every Tuesday and Friday.

Dr Sophia Makki, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: “We continue to see a steady increase in monkeypox cases. We’re reminding everyone to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox, particularly if you’ve recently had new or multiple sexual partners, to help prevent further spread and protect others.

“If you have a rash with blisters, or any other monkeypox symptoms, don’t go to events, meet with friends or have sexual contact. Instead, stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice.

“Please contact the clinic ahead of your visit and avoid close contact with others until you’ve been reviewed by a clinician.”