Is monkeypox vaccination recommended for travelers?

Vaccination against monkeypox is not routinely recommended for travelers. The monkeypox virus spreads primarily through close contact with infected people, animals, or materials. Therefore, the risk to the average traveler is generally low.

Vaccination is specifically recommended for healthcare workers involved in the treatment of monkeypox patients, laboratory personnel working with the virus, or people who frequently come into close contact with infected individuals. In the event of an outbreak in a specific area, health authorities may recommend vaccination of people in that area to prevent further spread.

Most travelers do not need to be vaccinated against monkeypox. The recommendation to vaccinate is aimed at people with specific risks or during outbreaks in certain regions. For travel advice, it is always wise to follow the guidelines of local health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO).

If you are traveling to an area where there has recently been an outbreak of monkeypox or if you have specific risk factors, it may be helpful to consult a doctor.

Source: https://www.who.int/news/item/14-08-2024-who-director-general-declares-mpox-outbreak-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-24 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024