Mpox
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is poorly transmitted between people and is not typically transmitted in brief encounters in everyday life. However, if you suspect an infection, contact the health care services by phone.
Mpox is typically associated with a rash including spots or blisters for which there is no other explanation. The rash may be preceded by other common symptoms of infection, such as fever or headache.
The disease usually heals on its own within a couple of weeks. Serious tumour images are usually seen in people whose defences are low due to another disease or medical treatment. The risk of mpox spreading more widely in the population is very low.
If you suspect an infection, contact your own health centre by phone
If you suspect you have been infected with mpox, call your own health centre or The medical help line, tel. 116117. You can also contact the Unit for Combating Communicable Diseases, tel. 02 266 1143 (Mon 8-15.30 and Tue-Fri 8-12).
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has published an information package on mpox on its website. The website contains basic information on the disease and its transmission, symptoms and treatment, as well as on how to protect yourself from the disease and how to prevent it.
Target group for mpox vaccinations
Vaccinations are recommended for men who have had sexual relations with men and who have had several occasional sexual partners in the previous six months. In addition, vaccinations will continue to be recommended for all men taking prophylactic HIV medicines known as PrEP who have sexual relations with men, as well as men queuing for PrEP access who have sexual relations with men. Vaccinations for close contacts exposed and ill with mpox will also continue as before.
The mpox vaccine can also be given to people travelling to the African m-rabies epidemic area (Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda) who are at particular risk of exposure to the disease. This applies in particular to persons who are in occupational or other prolonged or repeated physical contact with the local population in the region.
The vaccination course for at-risk groups consists of two doses administered at least every four weeks.
How do I get an mpox vaccine?
In the Southwest Finland Wellbeing Services County, mpox vaccinations have been concentrated in Turku, due to the limited availability of the vaccine.
Those in risk groups can call the Turku Unit for Combating Communicable Diseases, tel. 02 266 1143 (Mon 8-15.30 and Tue-Fri 8-12). Communicable disease nurses provide instructions on the phone on how to vaccinate mpox and also book vaccination appointments.
As the availability of mpox vaccines is limited, vaccines are distributed concentratedly on certain days. The vaccine will be provided at Mäntymäki Health Centre, address: Kunnallissairaalantie 2, Turku 20700. If you have any questions about the vaccination location or vaccine, please contact the communicable disease nurses for further information.
You can also visit the Infectious Diseases Prevention Unit also on-site. Those belonging to special groups (e.g. persons with hearing and speech impairment) may also contact the Turku health centres via the text message service as an alternative to voice calls.