Who can receive the mpox vaccine in Chile?

The disease mpox known formerly known as monkeypox has a vaccination process which affects certain people in the population.

Given the outbreak of the virus detected in Africa, a public health emergency of international concern has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO). The above considers that so far in 2024, nearly 20,000 cases and more than 500 deaths have been recorded due to the disease.

Meanwhile in our country, Ministry of Health (Minsal) declared a health alert and called to take precautions and avoid risky behavior, according to La Tercera.

In this regard, from the Minsal A document has been prepared with details on mpox, indicating how vaccination against the disease works.

At presentThe following people in Chile are vaccinated against MPOX disease according to the Minsal.

• Users of pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP
• People who have had close contact with someone who has the disease.
• Sex workers.
• People living with HIV, of all ages.
• Those who have or have had an STI (sexually transmitted infection) in the past year.
• Men who have sex with men, regardless of age, sexual orientation or gender identity.

According to the Health Seremi, Any of the following situations is considered a close contact :

• Having had prolonged physical contact with the body, body fluids or scabs of exanthemic lesions of a confirmed or probable case.
• Sleeping in the same house as the confirmed or probable case.
• Handle clothing, bedding, waste, and utensils of the confirmed or probable case without using additional contact and droplet precautions; at least a medical or surgical mask, a long-sleeved impervious gown, eye protection, and impervious gloves.
• Stay in the same enclosure or enclosed space with the case without additional precautions against contact and droplets; at least a medical or surgical mask, a long-sleeved impervious gown, eye protection and impervious gloves.
• In healthcare workers; providing healthcare to a case without additional contact and droplet precautions, considering at least a medical or surgical mask, eye protection, impervious gloves, and a long-sleeved impervious gown. If a higher-risk aerosol-generating procedure is being performed, consider using a high-efficiency N95 or equivalent respirator to replace the medical or surgical mask.

Minsal vaccination began its first phase on October 19, 2022, with post-exposure inoculation or for close contacts of confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, regarding the request for doses for other people, the portfolio communicates the following: “People who come spontaneously and are not part of the target groups will not be vaccinated. There is no recommendation for mass vaccination by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Strategies (CAVEI).

Vaccination applies Jyneos from the Nordic Bavarian laboratory, in a schedule consisting of two doses to be injected 4 weeks apart It is suggested to go to the same vaccination center each time.

Regarding the time to receive the vaccine after suspicion, the Ministry of Health recommends that: “In order not to become seriously ill, must be done within 14 days of contact with the confirmed case . If this is done within 4 days of contact with the confirmed case, the possibility of contracting the disease is reduced.

Considering the dose, the Ministry of Health confirms that being vaccinated protects the person if they are exposed to the virus: “The Monkeypox vaccine aims to prevent illness, serious disease and death. “.

To apply the mpox vaccine, A medical order or any type of certificate is not required. .

During the visit to the vaccination center, a checklist will be applied to confirm that the person belongs to the priority groups. An informed consent will also be requested to sign, after advice on vaccination and preventive measures.

Regarding the combination with other doses, such as the covid-19 vaccine, it is recommended to leave a period of at least four weeks between the two. However, in special situations, it is possible to administer them in a shorter period.

Vaccination centers available in the Metropolitan Region are as follows:

• San Borja Arriarán Hospital, Santiago.
• San Juan de Dios Hospital, Santiago.
• San José Hospital, Independencia (time must be scheduled).
• Sótero del Río Hospital, Puente Alto.
• Dr. Lucio Córdova Hospital, San Miguel.
• UC Marcoleta Network Hospital, Santiago.

You can consult the locations and opening hours, in addition to establishments available in regions, in the next link .

The symptoms of mpox to watch out for are as follows, as summarized by Minsal:

• skin lesions or mucous membranes, which may be flat or raised and filled with fluid. They tend to be concentrated on the face, chest, abdominal region, soles of the feet, mouth, genital and anal areas. These are lesions that form crusts that dry and fall off.
• Temperature about 38.5°C .
• Swollen lymph nodes .
• Headache.
• Muscle pain.
• Lack of energy.