Greater Manchester not expected to get full supply of monkeypox vaccine until September, say health bosses

Health bosses in Greater Manchester say the region isn't expected to get a full supply of monkeypox vaccines until next month - as a major national shortage remains.

It comes as the conurbation's health services continue their drive to get as many people vaccinated ahead of Pride weekend at the end of the month, as cases are on the rise.

Whilst the city-region hasn't seen as many infections as London, where cases have reached over 2,000, health experts are still urging people to remain aware of the symptoms and seek advice where possible.

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National supply issues for the vaccine continue to persist, as other countries also launch efforts to contain monkeypox cases, with the region's leaders continuing to lobby for more resources.

While anyone can get monkeypox, the majority of cases being identified are among gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (MSM), prompting fears cases could surge after Pride weekend.

Around 1,000 people in Greater Manchester are thought to have received the smallpox (MVA) vaccine, with another clinic due to be held by the Northern Sexual Health Service this Sunday. Only people who are registered with the service are being asked to attend the vaccine hub in south Manchester, as health bosses attempt to concentrate the small supply where it's most needed.

Those who are primarily being targeted at the moment include men who have multiple sexual partners, who may take part in group sexual activities, who have recently had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and those on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Speaking to the M.E.N, Manchester's Director of Public Health, David Regan warned that the region is not expecting to see a