Rising Mpox cases in Africa with a new variant ("clade Ib") are threatening public health worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation. In Europe, there has been one reported case with the new variant and there are still cases of the 2022 variant. The prevention campaign of the German AIDS service organisation ICH WEISS WAS ICH TU (IWWIT) recommends: Vaccinating yourself now is a precautionary measure.

Due to rapidly increasing cases of mpox in some African countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" (PHEIC).

Only a few hours after the declaration of the Mpox health emergency Sweden reported the first case of clade Ib in Europe, according to the BBC. According to Risk assessment by the European health authority ECDC from 16 August it is "highly likely" that there will be further cases of clade I in the EU and the European Economic Area. However, the likelihood of continuing chains of transmission in Europe is very low as long as cases are diagnosed quickly and control measures are implemented.

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on 15 August, there are no known cases of clade Ib in Germany to date. However, the RKI will continue to monitor events closely.

What you can do now

The recommendation of the IWWIT prevention campaign remains the same: vaccination offers the best protection, according to RKI also against the new Mpox variant. The vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection. Anyone who is infected despite being vaccinated has a significantly lower risk of a severe course of the disease thanks to the vaccination.

According to current knowledge, anyone who has already been fully vaccinated in recent years is also vaccinated against the new variant and does not need to be vaccinated again. Anyone who has only received one vaccination should consider having a second dose in order to extend their immunisation protection.

Anyone who has been vaccinated against true smallpox (variola) is also protected against Mpox. However, an additional vaccination is recommended to refresh your immunisation.

Statutory health insurance companies cover the costs for insured persons for whom the vaccination recommendation of the Standing Vaccination Commission applies - including men aged 18 and over who frequently have sex with changing men. Private health insurance companies also often cover the costs. However, this should be clarified with the insurance company in advance. Sometimes you have to pay for the vaccination privately in advance. However, the costs will be reimbursed after submission to the health insurance company. 

Where people can be vaccinated is regulated differently in the individual federal states. On iwwit.de you will find an overview with information on vaccination options in the individual federal states.