The Health Bureau (SSM) announced in a statement late last night that from tomorrow local residents with a high monkeypox infection risk can be vaccinated against the disease at the city’s health centres or stations free of charge.
The statement said that the bureau has decided to roll out the new measure considering there is a noticeable increase in the number of monkeypox infections recorded in neighbouring regions over recent weeks, adding that the situation has resulted in a higher risk of the spread of monkeypox in Macau.
The statement noted that previously Macau ran a relatively low risk of the spread of monkeypox because monkeypox infections were primarily recorded in Europe and North America at that time, because of which the Macau Health Bureau previously provided paid for monkeypox jabs only for local residents engaging in high-risk sexual practices. The statement went on to say that the Health Bureau has now decided to provide free monkeypox jabs for local residents with a high infection risk after considering the fact that Macau is now facing a higher risk of the spread of monkeypox.
The statement underlined that it is unnecessary to vaccinate the general population against monkeypox because people in general run a very low infection risk.
The statement said that those with a high infection risk should consider getting vaccinated against monkeypox, such as those engaging in high-risk sexual practices, those who have been in contact with suspected or confirmed monkeypox patients, and health workers who need to be in contact with monkeypox patients.
According to the statement, potential vaccinees will be required to make an appointment. From tomorrow, local residents who have been assessed by a doctor at the health centres or stations as running a high infection risk can receive a free monkeypox jab.
According to the statement, non-locals with a high infection risk holding a permit to stay in Macau can also receive a monkeypox jab at the health centres or stations, but they will have to pay for it.
The statement did not mention how much they will have to pay for a jab.
However, the statement said, the monkeypox vaccination will not be provided for visitors.
