GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has said that only people considered high-risk would be eligible for the monkeypox vaccine when it arrives here next month.

Guyana is expected to receive its first set of Imvamune vaccines for the viral infection by the end of September from Canada, through the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

Imvamune protects against orthopoxvirus infections such as monkeypox and smallpox.

Speaking during his COVID-19 update, Dr Anthony explained that individuals who have been exposed to the virus will be the first to be vaccinated.

“If someone is at high risk, meaning that you would have been in close contact with somebody who has monkeypox, then your chances of getting monkeypox would be quite high.

“The criteria to administer the vaccine would be that the person must have been exposed and be at high risk for getting monkeypox,” he said.

Dr Anthony explained that Imvamune is a modified vaccine and his ministry will be working to see how protective it is against monkeypox.

He said similar to the COVID-19 vaccine, there may be some temporary side effects to the monkeypox vaccine. These include swelling or redness at the vaccination site, headaches and some muscle pain.

Minister Anthony has urged residents to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against the virus.

Currently there are roughly 45,000 monkeypox cases and 13 deaths in some 96 countries.

Guyana recorded its first case last week.