The Department of Health has launched a targeted vaccination campaign to curb the spread of mpox in South Africa, following a gradual increase in laboratory-confirmed cases in 2025.

With ten confirmed cases recorded so far this year, including two new infections in Gauteng and the Western Cape, the government is prioritising provinces hardest hit by the outbreak.

According to the Department, the latest cases involve a 32-year-old from Cape Town and a 45-year-old from Johannesburg. Notably, both patients have no travel history, raising concerns about local transmission.

“The vaccination programme will target the most affected provinces, which currently include Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal,” said the Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale, noting that vaccination remains a key tool in limiting the spread of the disease.

A total of 10,500 doses of the Imvanex mpox vaccine have been donated to South Africa by the Africa Centres for Disease Control through the Access and Allocation Mechanism for Mpox.

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) authorised the importation of the vaccine through a Section 21 process, allowing for its use despite it not yet being formally registered in the country.

“Imvanex samples were tested by the National Control Laboratory to establish the vaccines’ safety and efficacy, prior to its release to the South African market,” Mohale confirmed.

“The vaccine was found to be safe and is well tolerated in the vast majority of people.”

Vaccination sites will include selected public health facilities, travel clinics and private providers in Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. 

The drive will prioritise high-risk individuals, including close contacts of confirmed cases, people with multiple sexual partners, travellers to outbreak regions, pregnant women (where indicated), and children over the age of two.

“Vaccination helps to control the spread of this preventable and manageable disease, with vaccinated individuals being protected from becoming infected and from developing severe complications,” said Mohale.

While the vaccine is considered safe, recipients may experience common side effects such as redness or pain at the injection site, muscle aches, headache, nausea, or mild fever.

“Most side effects disappear on their own within a few days without treatment,” said Mohale.

“These side effects can be managed by having enough rest, staying hydrated and taking medication to manage pain, if needed.”

Citizens are encouraged to report any adverse reactions via the Med Safety App, available free on Android and iOS devices.

The Health Department is urging the public to remain alert.

“Members of the public are urged to be extra vigilant of mpox symptoms, and those who suspect that they are at risk of mpox infection are advised to consult their nearest health facility or healthcare provider.”

Due to the limited number of doses, the rollout will occur in phases and based on outbreak severity and vaccine availability. 

IOL News

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