Vaccination against the monkey pox virus starts Monday in Drenthe. Initially, only men will be invited who have sex with other men because they are at higher risk.
“The location where the injections are made will remain secret in order to guarantee the privacy of those involved,” said a spokesperson for the GGD Drenthe. ‘This vaccination is a precaution, because they may contract the monkeypox virus later on. It concerns a specific group that receives a personal invitation for the vaccination.’
According to the spokesperson for the GGD, people cannot register themselves for a vaccination. ‘It concerns people who are registered as users of the HIV prevention pill PrEP or who are on the waiting list for it. In addition, HIV patients are also eligible. Just like people who are identified by the Center for Sexual Health as someone with an increased risk of contracting an STI.’
Skin and mucous membrane contact
The infection is transmitted through skin and mucous membrane contact. The disease mainly occurs in men who have sex with men.
It is not yet known when the GGD Groningen will start vaccinating. “We are carefully preparing for the vaccinations against monkeypox. We will not start on Monday, but as soon as possible.”