Smallpox vaccination against monkeypox checklist
Updated 23 August 2022
Applies to England
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Checklist for healthcare professionals when assessing a person for vaccination against monkeypox using the MVA-BN (Modified Vaccinia Ankara – Bavarian Nordic) smallpox vaccine.
Answering yes to any of these questions does not always mean the vaccine cannot be given but may mean further information is required prior to vaccination. If the answer is no to all these questions, then the vaccination should be able to go ahead as planned.
1. Have you had a serious allergic reaction to a dose of MVA-BN vaccine in the past?
2. Have you had any allergies to benzonase, gentamicin or ciprofloxacin in the past?
3. Do you have any other serious allergies?
If yes, please specify
4. Do you currently have a raised temperature or feel feverish?
5. Do you have atopic dermatitis?
People with atopic dermatitis are known to have developed more site associated and generalised symptoms following vaccination with MVA-BN vaccine. People with atopic dermatitis should have a risk assessment before vaccination taking into account the risk of exposure, the risk of side-effects and potential use of alternative preventative measure.
6. Do you have a condition or are you receiving treatment that weakens the immune system?
MVA-BN vaccine should pose no risk to those who are immunosuppressed. However, the immune response to the vaccine could be reduced in severely immunosuppressed individuals. Vaccination should generally proceed in accordance with recommendations, as these individuals are also at significant risk of the complications of monkeypox.
Specialist medical advice on other measures may be required (you may have to have your vaccination using the subcutaneous technique) and additional doses should be considered for those at ongoing risk of exposure.
7. Are you pregnant?
If yes, please state the number of weeks and record this in the patient record following vaccination.
Pregnancy is not necessarily a contraindication to receiving the MVA-BN vaccine, but require further discussion with your healthcare professional before proceeding with vaccination.
8. Are you currently breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is not necessarily a contraindication to receiving the MVA-BN vaccine, but require further discussion with your healthcare professional before proceeding with vaccination.
9. If you get keloid scarring
If you get keloid scarring please let your health professional know. You may need to have your vaccination via the subcutaneous route.