New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO), which declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern one month ago, has approved a vaccine to control the deadly virus.
Denmark biotechnology company Bavarian Nordic’s vaccine, which is known as Jynneos in the United States, can now be used in worst-hit African areas as soon as possible.
WHO is also reviewing LC16, another vaccine made by Japan’s KM Biologics.
WHO’s approval allows United Nations (UN) agencies to purchase the vaccine and coordinate donations. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance which helps fund vaccines for low-income countries, has $500 million available for Mpox vaccines.
“This first pre-qualification of a vaccine against Mpox is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa, and in future,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
India confirmed the first case of Mpox in the country, detected in a traveller from overseas. But authorities said there wasn’t anything to worry about as it’s not the severe strain.
Mpox vaccine administration
Mpox vaccine will be administered in two doses to people aged 18 and above, under WHO authorisation. In places where Mpox outbreak is established, the vaccine may be administered to infants, children, and adolescents, though it is not yet licensed for those under-18.
WHO has called for an urgent increase in vaccine procurement, donations and quick distribution to ensure it reaches the most affected areas.
Children most affected
According to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), almost 70 per cent of Mpox cases in Congo are children under 15. They also represent 85 per cent of the deaths.
On Thursday, the Africa CDC reported 107 new deaths and 3,160 new cases over the previous week, following recent launch of a continental response plan by Africa CDC and WHO.
Though it’s from the same virus family as smallpox, Mpox causes milder symptoms like fever, chills, and body aches. However, in severe cases, patients can develop lesions on the face, hands, chest, and genitals.