Monkeypox: Not everyone needs to be vaccinated, says Dr. Gagandeep Kang

Men having sex with men

This vaccine, according to Dr Kang, can be given to the community where men have sex with men.

She explains that these groups are at high risk of catching the infection as “right now nine out of ten Monkeypox cases that we are seeing are in men who have sex with men. If we can protect that population, then we can actually stop the spread of the disease”.

However, she clarifies that it is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and is largely transmitted by skin-to-skin contact.

“But vaccinating people who might potentially acquire this infection helps to protect them and then helps to protect the community,” she adds.

Dr Gagandeep Kang, microbiologist, vaccine expert, and Professor at CMC Vellore. (Supplied)

She explains that the occurrence of Monkeypox can be extremely painful and disfiguring, and can be fatal for immuno-compromised people, especially those who have uncontrolled HIV.

While warning that society and healthcare systems should be aware that there shouldn’t be any stigmatisation, she says when policies are made, “there should be recognition of epidemiological principles on whom to vaccinate”.

Lab workers, HIV patients at risk

The other group of people who are possibly at risk, according to Dr Kang, are those who are working in the laboratory dealing with the virus.

Monkeypox virus can be deadly in those who have uncontrolled HIV, says Dr Kang. She explains that the other virus which can combine with Monkeypox virus and lead to greater severity of infection is HIV.

“If you are a HIV patient with compromised immune system and HIV is not well controlled by medication, then you might have very severe Monkeypox disease and die,” she says.

Though the number of people who have uncontrolled HIV is low, such people should be vaccinated.