More than 18 thousand people in the Netherlands have received one or more mpox vaccinations. The vaccination campaign was launched late last July, shortly after the outbreak began, and ended last month.
The last mpox vaccination was given at the end of January. The decision to end the vaccination campaign came after the number of infections declined sharply in the autumn of 2022. Most vaccine recipients received two injections with an interval of several weeks. In the final count, more than 18 thousand first and almost 12 thousand second injections were given.
Close contact
The vaccine is still available to anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. However, cases are currently low. In the month of January, one person tested positive for mpox. In December 2022, there were three positive cases.
Routes of transmission
The virus and its transmission are still being studied. In spite of the low incidence of infections, this number could rise once more. In late 2022, the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport therefore asked if vaccinations would still be needed in 2023. A recommendation is forthcoming in March.
2022 vaccination campaign
The spread of mpox in Europe was first detected in the spring of 2022. After this, the virus rapidly spread across large parts of the continent as well as North America and beyond. To halt its spread, the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport made vaccination available to anyone at a high risk of becoming ill with the virus. The vaccination campaign was launched in the summer.