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South Africa has initiated a targeted mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) vaccination campaign as part of its efforts to curb the growing spread of the disease. The rollout comes after a rise in laboratory-confirmed cases, prompting health officials to intensify response measures in the country’s most affected regions.
Focus on High-Risk Provinces and Populations
The vaccination drive prioritizes Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal—provinces experiencing the majority of new cases. According to health authorities, the most recent cases involve a 32-year-old from Cape Town and a 45-year-old from Johannesburg, both without recent travel history, highlighting local transmission concerns.
Key groups prioritized for vaccination include:
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Individuals who have been in close contact with confirmed mpox cases.
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People at higher risk, such as those with multiple sexual partners, including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), transgender people, and sex workers in affected districts.
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Healthcare workers and laboratory staff directly involved in the care of mpox patients.
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Travellers to regions with known outbreaks of mpox.
Vaccine Procurement and Distribution
The Department of Health secured approximately 10,500 doses of the Imvanex vaccine, received as a donation through the Africa Centres for Disease Control. The vaccine arrived via the Access and Allocation Mechanism for Mpox and has regulatory authorization for importation and use in South Africa. Distribution is being monitored carefully to ensure rapid response to new outbreaks and equitable access for those at greatest risk.
Vaccinations are being administered at selected public health facilities, travel clinics, specialized clinics for key populations, and through mobile health units to reach under-served communities. Additional vaccination sites will be determined based on the ongoing epidemiological assessment and vaccine uptake in each phase.
Goals and Public Health Guidance
Authorities emphasize that this is not a mass vaccination campaign but rather an integrated, targeted outbreak control response. The objective is to prevent further human-to-human transmission, protect those most vulnerable to the virus, and interrupt chains of infection. The vaccine schedule includes a possible delayed second dose, with a focus on those most at risk receiving the first dose promptly.
Public health officials urge the public to:
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Be vigilant for symptoms of mpox and seek medical advice if exposed or symptomatic.
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Consult healthcare providers regarding eligibility for the vaccine, especially if belonging to a higher-risk group.
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Adhere to preventive practices and report any side effects following vaccination to their healthcare provider.
Disclaimer
This news article is for informational purposes only and is based on official statements and public health documents available as of July 19, 2025. Medical information may develop rapidly, and readers are advised to consult healthcare professionals or trusted public health sources for the most current guidance regarding mpox prevention, symptoms, and vaccination eligibility.
