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Mpox vaccine - Eligibility for the mpox vaccine

Vaccine experts recommend offering the mpox vaccine to people who are most likely to come into contact with the virus. The vaccine is available routinely through sexual health services. 

Who can have the vaccine?

A vaccine is available to GBMSM who meet certain criteria and is offered on a case-by-case basis to help protect against mpox. The vaccine may also be offered to anyone who has close and intimate contact with people at higher risk of mpox in the GBMSM community. This includes people of any gender or sexual orientation.  

You can get your mpox vaccine through sexual health services if you:  

  • have multiple sexual partners 
  • take part in group sex (or sex parties) 
  • visit sex venues (like saunas or backrooms), or  
  • have had a recent bacterial infection from sex, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, in the last year. 

You may also be able to get the vaccine if you work in places where mpox could spread. This includes sauna staff or anyone who handles items or surfaces that may contain body fluids or skin cells.  

You won’t get an invitation for the vaccine, but if you contact or visit a sexual health clinic and meet the criteria listed above, you should be offered the vaccine. 

For more information on where to get the mpox vaccine, visit the NHS 111 Wales website.

If you are a healthcare worker eligible for the mpox vaccine, please contact your occupational health department to check your vaccination status. 

I am not in the group recommended for the mpox vaccine – do I need one?

In Wales, we follow the advice of vaccine experts to offer mpox vaccinations to prevent outbreaks and protect people at risk. If you are not in the group recommended for the mpox vaccine, you are unlikely to need one at this time. 

I have been in close contact with someone who now has mpox – do I need the vaccine?

You may be offered the vaccine if you have been in close contact with someone with mpox, depending on when you had contact with them.   

The vaccine may help lower your risk of developing mpox or may make symptoms less severe if you do get it.   

If you think you might be at risk, contact NHS 111 Wales by calling 111, or contact a sexual health service or your GP straight away.    

If you are advised to have the MVA vaccine, you will be offered a single dose, ideally within four days of the close contact. However, the following people may have the dose up to 14 days after close contact.  

  • Children below the age of 5  
  • Pregnant women  
  • People with a very weak immune system  

Page last reviewed: 25th July 2025