WHO approves world's first vaccine against mpox
The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified the MVA-BN vaccine, marking it as the first-ever vaccine against monkeypox (mpox) to be included in its list. This significant development is expected to enhance timely access to this crucial vaccine in communities urgently needing it, thereby helping reduce transmission and contain outbreaks. The decision was made after a thorough review of information provided by Bavarian Nordic A/S, the manufacturer, and an assessment by the European Medicines Agency.
Vaccine administration and effectiveness details
The MVA-BN vaccine is designed for individuals aged 18 and above, administered as two injections given four weeks apart. After initial cold storage, the vaccine can remain effective at temperatures between 2-8°C for up to eight weeks. Data indicates that a single dose of the MVA-BN vaccine administered before exposure has an estimated effectiveness of 76% in protecting against mpox, while a two-dose schedule achieves an estimated effectiveness of 82%.
WHO's strategic advisory group recommends MVA-BN use
The WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization recommended the use of the vaccine during mpox outbreaks for individuals at high risk of exposure. Although not currently licensed for those under 18, it may be used "off-label" in infants, children, adolescents, pregnant and immunocompromised people in outbreak settings where vaccination benefits outweigh potential risks. The WHO also advocates for single-dose use in supply-constrained outbreak situations while emphasizing the need to gather more data on vaccine safety and effectiveness.
MVA-BN vaccine's role in combating global mpox outbreak
The MVA-BN vaccine has demonstrated consistent safety and effectiveness in clinical studies and real-world use during the ongoing global outbreak since 2022. However, with the changing epidemiology and emergence of new virus strains, it remains crucial to collect as much data as possible on vaccine safety and effectiveness in different contexts. Since the onset of the global outbreak in 2022, over 120 countries have confirmed more than 103,000 cases of mpox.
