WHO Approves First Vaccine for Mpox

 

Geneva, Agency: The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the first vaccine for Mpox (monkeypox) for adults. On Friday, WHO stated that this is a significant step towards combating the disease, particularly in the Americas and other regions affected by Mpox.

The vaccine, developed by the Bavarian Nordic company, will be available for purchase by international organizations like UNICEF, although its supply will be limited initially. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described this prequalification of the Mpox vaccine as a crucial development in the fight against the disease. The prequalification aims to ensure the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.

WHO’s approval allows the vaccine to be administered in two doses to individuals aged 18 years and above. However, it is not yet licensed for those under 18, though it may be used in younger populations, including infants, children, and adolescents, in specific cases where the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

According to recent data from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mpox has shown significant impact on children, with about 70% of cases occurring in minors. Formerly known as monkeypox, Mpox is a viral infectious disease that continues to pose health challenges globally.