WHO approves Mpox’s first vaccine, it is up to 82 percent effective

The Ampox virus has caused havoc in many countries of the world. Amidst the spread of this virus, good news has come from the World Health Organization (WHO) which has given the first approval to the vaccination for the treatment of Ampox virus.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday announced the MVA-BN vaccine as the first vaccine against ampox to be added to its prequalification list. The move is expected to improve access to the vaccine, especially among communities that need it most urgently.

MVA-BN vaccine has not been made for people below 18 years of age at present. However, WHO has given instructions to prepare such a vaccine for children, pregnant women and people with weak immunity as soon as possible.

Also read: What is the African connection of the old strain of Mpox? Which is the most affected country? Know how many vaccines are available

WHO statement regarding vaccine

The prequalification process, based on information submitted by the manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic A/S, and reviewed by the European Medicines Agency, aims to facilitate rapid procurement and distribution of the vaccine. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the importance of the vaccine in preventing current mpox outbreaks, especially in Africa.

“In the context of current outbreaks in Africa and future ones, this first prequalification of a vaccine against ampox is a critical step in our fight against the disease,” he said, calling for an urgent scale-up of vaccine procurement, donations and distribution to ensure equitable access.

He said, “Along with other public health tools, this vaccine will help prevent infection, stop transmission and save lives.” The MVA-BN vaccine, which is given as a two-dose injection at an interval of four weeks, is approved for people over 18 years of age. When stored in cold conditions, it can remain stable for up to eight weeks at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius.

Also read: China’s drug regulator approves clinical trial of MPox vaccine

Up to 82 percent effective

WHO Assistant Director-General Dr. Yukiko Nakatani said, ‘The approval of the vaccine against mpox is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in terms of the current outbreak in Africa and future ones.’ She stressed the need to boost procurement, donation and distribution to ensure vaccine doses for everyone. Other public health tools are also urgently needed to prevent infection, stop transmission and save lives. The ongoing procurement of mpox vaccine by governments and international agencies such as Gavi and UNICEF will be accelerated to help people immediately.’

Available data suggests that a single dose MVA-BN vaccine given before exposure is estimated to be 76 percent effective in protecting people from monkeypox, while 2 doses are estimated to be 82 percent effective. The MVA-BN vaccine has been approved in Switzerland, the US, Singapore, Canada, the European Union, and the UK.