Finland receives the first batch of monkeypox vaccine | News
Finland plans to offer the monkeypox vaccine to those exposed to the virus.
The Finnish health authorities say that they offer the monkeypox vaccine primarily to people who have been exposed to the virus. So far, 17 virus infections have been reported in Finland, reports the Reuters news agency.
Europe recorded its first monkeypox-related deaths this week as Spain confirmed deaths from the disease.
Lasse LehtonenThe head of diagnostic services at Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) said that the news about monkeypox deaths in Spain gives reason to consider targeting vaccines to certain population groups.
He stated that, for example, HIV patients are prone to serious complications caused by the virus.
“Monkey pox can be a serious disease for people with weakened immune systems. It is usually only dangerous for children under the age of eight,” he explained.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox a public health emergency, prompting many countries to vaccinate their citizens against the virus. About 1,000 doses of the vaccine are expected to arrive in Finland. They are primarily offered to people who have been exposed to the virus.
Monkey pox does not spread easily, says public health authority THL. Transferring from one person to another requires direct and close contact. This includes contact with infectious sores and prolonged face-to-face contact through respiratory droplets.
The current monkeypox epidemic outside Africa is related to close contact and is concentrated among men who have sex with men. According to THL, people who have multiple sexual partners have a higher risk of getting the virus than others.
Symptoms of monkeypox, which typically last 2-4 weeks, include fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, and hives.