Written question asked by Andrew Gwynne (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 July 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 July 2022 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Monday, 18 July 2022. A substantive answer was provided by Maggie Throup (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 July 2022 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Smallpox: Vaccination

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of people who have received the smallpox vaccine since May 2022 will have been given two doses within 28 days.

Answer: Any individual, typically healthcare workers, at on-going risk of exposure to the monkeypox virus will be offered two doses of smallpox vaccine with a minimum interval of 28 days between doses. However, a second dose within 28 days is not recommended. The vaccine programme for high-risk gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men will also offer two doses, although the offer of a first dose to as many individuals as possible will be prioritised. Data on smallpox vaccinations administered since May 2022 is continuing and will be available in due course.

Secondary information