Do you need a monkeypox vaccine for travel? Everything you need to know about the new outbreak

On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an increase in new cases of monkeypox (mpox) as a global health emergency. The increase in new cases is due to a new strain called mpox Clade 1, which has caused global concern. With the first case of this new strain in Sweden, the question is whether the mpox vaccine is necessary for travel to affected areas.

As of Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported more than 16,000 mpox cases since the beginning of the year, a significant increase from 2023. This increase is attributed to a new strain named “mpox Clade 1”.

The new advice was the result of a meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee, which reviewed data provided by WHO experts and affected countries. There are concerns that the disease may spread across Africa and even between continents. After the WHO decision, the first case of the new strain was identified in Sweden, where a patient was treated in Stockholm.

In 2023, a nationwide mpox vaccination program in the UK targeted high-risk individuals. At the time, Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), said:

Responding to the surge in new cases is critical; This is why we are expanding mpox vaccination in London. Although mpox infection is mild for many; But it can cause severe symptoms, including unusual rashes and blisters, fever and headache; Therefore, it is important that people are aware of the risks. Vaccination is the key to reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing further spread.

Do we need mpox vaccine to travel?

As of Tuesday, August 20, there is no official request for public vaccination of travelers against mpox; However, the advice for travelers planning to travel to affected areas will be slightly different and is subject to change. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has updated its advice, stating that travelers traveling to “epidemic areas” should consult a health care provider or travel clinic to find out about eligibility for the mpox vaccine.

_{Cover photo source: cntraveller website Photographer: Unknown}