WHO Greenlights Mpox Vaccine

Global Efforts to Combat Mpox Intensify with WHO Authorization of Vaccine

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the authorization of the first vaccine against mpox, marking an important step in the global fight against the disease. This development could lead to faster approval processes in countries struggling to contain outbreaks, making it easier for them to access the vaccine.

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a disease caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. The WHO declared mpox a global health emergency in August due to a surge in cases in Central and Eastern Africa and the rapid spread of a more severe subtype of the virus.

Impact of the Vaccine

The authorized vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic, has been cleared for use in adults aged 18 and older to immunize against smallpox, mpox, and related orthopoxvirus. However, the WHO has also approved its use "off-label" in babies, children, and adolescents, as well as pregnant and immunocompromised individuals, where the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its risks.

Vulnerability of Children

Children are particularly susceptible to mpox due to their developing immune systems and higher risk of developing severe mpox. Symptoms in kids can mimic common childhood illnesses like chickenpox or other viral infections.

Administration and Efficacy

Typically, the vaccine is administered in two doses given four weeks apart, but the WHO recommends single-dose use in outbreak situations where vaccine supply is limited. Data shows that a single dose of the MVA-BN vaccine is roughly 76% effective in preventing mpox infection, while a two-dose regimen is 82% effective.

Global Response

The Democratic Republic of Congo is at the epicenter of Africa’s mpox outbreak, with over 5,000 confirmed cases and more than 700 deaths. The WHO is urging an urgent scale-up in procurement, donations, and rollout to ensure equitable access to vaccines and other public health tools to prevent infections, stop transmission, and save lives.

Conclusion

The authorization of the mpox vaccine is a significant step forward in the global response to the disease. With this vaccine, countries can fast-track their own approvals, making it easier to access the injections and contain outbreaks. The WHO’s recommendations for off-label use in vulnerable populations and the vaccine’s efficacy make it a crucial tool in the fight against mpox.

FAQs

Q: What is mpox?
A: Mpox is a disease caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox.

Q: Why is the WHO declaring mpox a global health emergency?
A: The WHO declared mpox a global health emergency due to a surge in cases in Central and Eastern Africa and the rapid spread of a more severe subtype of the virus.

Q: Who is eligible to receive the vaccine?
A: The authorized vaccine is cleared for use in adults aged 18 and older, but can also be used "off-label" in babies, children, and adolescents, as well as pregnant and immunocompromised individuals.

Q: How effective is the vaccine?
A: A single dose of the MVA-BN vaccine is roughly 76% effective in preventing mpox infection, while a two-dose regimen is 82% effective.

Q: Why is the WHO recommending single-dose use in outbreak situations?
A: The WHO recommends single-dose use in outbreak situations where vaccine supply is limited.