The UK Health Security Agency and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have launched a study to better understand how the body reacts to the mpox virus and produces antibodies.

The Trust will invite people to take part in the LIMIT (Longitudinal immunology of mpox virus infection) study. The study will include a questionnaire and a series of postal antibody tests.

Researchers will compare people’s antibody levels after an mpox vaccination, an mpox infection or both to see what antibody reaction each produces and how long they last for.

Dr Claire Gordon, Consultant in Infection at UKHSA, said: "Alongside the many health professionals and third sector organisations that sprang into action when the first mpox case was identified almost a year ago, researchers around the world responded rapidly to build our collective knowledge so we could tackle the outbreak.

"We’re now seeing very few new cases of mpox in the UK but their work continues. The knowledge gained from this study will help us reach our ultimate goal of eliminating mpox transmission in the UK as well as strengthening our work to prevent or limit any future outbreaks.

"We already know vaccination is key to reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing further transmission, so I would urge everyone eligible to come forward for both doses so they have maximum long lasting protection."