Monkeypox

UK working to permanently eliminate monkeypox as new research study launches

A new study aiming to facilitate the permanent elimination of monkeypox (mpox) in the UK has launched, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced.

The LIMIT study is being conducted in partnership with Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and will involve members of the public being invited to the London trust to fill out a questionnaire and take part in a series of antibody tests.

Over the course of a year, the research team will compare people’s antibody levels after either having the mpox vaccine or being exposed to the virus to explore how the body reacts, how many antibodies are produced and for how long.

Mpox – previously known as monkeypox – cases remain low in the UK despite recent spikes, with this research seen as a way of curtailing and ultimately eradicating mpox transmission across the country.

The researchers’ work will inform future responses to outbreaks of the virus and builds on previous findings from the UKHSA which showed that the mpox vaccine provides 78% protection 14 days post-injection.

Consultant in infection at the UKHSA, Dr Claire Gordon, commented: “Alongside the many health professionals and third sector organisations that sprang into action when the first mpox case was identified almost a year ago, researchers around the world responded rapidly to build our collective knowledge so we could tackle the outbreak.

“We’re now seeing very few new cases of mpox in the UK but their work continues. The knowledge gained from this study will help us reach our ultimate goal of eliminating mpox transmission in the UK as well as strengthening our work to prevent or limit any future outbreaks.

“We already know vaccination is key to reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing further transmission, so I would urge everyone eligible to come forward for both doses so they have maximum long lasting protection.”

Jan/Feb

NHE January/February 2024

Boosting NHS productivity demands a healthy dose of realism

Dive into our latest edition for January/February!

Videos...

View all videos
Online Conference

Presenting

2024 Online Conferences

In partnership with our community of health sector leaders responsible for delivering the UK's health strategy across the NHS and the wider health sector, we’ve devised a collaborative calendar of conferences and events for industry leaders to listen, learn and collaborate through engaging and immersive conversation. 

All our conferences are CPD accredited, which means you can gain points to advance your career by attending our online conferences. Also, the contents are available on demand so you can re-watch at your convenience.

National Health Executive Podcast

Ep 41. The truth about drones in the NHS

In episode 41 of the National Health Executive podcast, we were joined by Dr Angela Smith, research fellow at Bournemouth University, and Andy Oakey, research fellow at the University of Southampton, to discuss the viability of drones within the NHS transport system.

More articles...

View all