Health Department scales up mpox vaccination drive
The number of confirmed cases has risen to 10 since the year began, after two people from Cape Town and Johannesburg tested positive for the virus.
The backs of the hands of a patient with mpox showing a characteristic rash during his recovery phase. Picture: BSIP via AFP
JOHANNESBURG - As the number of confirmed mpox cases continues to gradually rise, the national Department of Health said people who are at higher risk of contracting mpox will be prioritised for vaccination.
The department is on a vaccination drive initially targeting Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, which are the most affected provinces.
The number of confirmed cases has risen to 10 since the year began, after two people from Cape Town and Johannesburg tested positive for the virus.
It's understood that they both don't have any travel history to the areas or countries currently experiencing an outbreak of the disease.
The public is urged to visit their nearest healthcare facilities for screening and testing for mpox to find out if they are eligible for vaccination.
The Department of Health’s spokesperson, Foster Mohale, explained: "Vaccination helps to control the spread of this preventable and manageable disease, with vaccinated individuals being protected from becoming infected and from developing severe complications. Vaccination can be accessed at some public health facilities, travel clinics and a few private providers in the above-mentioned provinces."
The African Centre for Disease Control has donated at least 10,500 doses of the mpox vaccine, imvanex, to the Health Department to combat various outbreaks on the continent.
Mohale added that the inoculation drive will be rolled out in phases