World Health Organization Approves First Mpox Vaccine
A big update is coming out regarding monkeypox. The World Health Organization has approved the first monkeypox vaccine. The vaccine of the company Bavarian Nordic has received this approval. So now there is a possibility of reducing the risk of monkeypox. ‘Reuters’ has given a report in this regard.
The vaccine is the Bavarian Nordic or MVA-BN vaccine for adults over 18 years of age.
Vaccine Efficacy and Administration
The MVA-BN vaccine is administered in two doses, given four weeks apart. According to the WHO, the vaccine is 76% effective in preventing monkeypox after the first dose and 82% effective after the second. This promising efficacy rate makes the vaccine a valuable tool in combating the disease.
WHO clears Bavarian Nordic’s vaccine as first mpox shot https://t.co/JS0oNCo2kS pic.twitter.com/aeQMlKKRGx
— Reuters World (@ReutersWorld) September 13, 2024
Global Monkeypox Outbreak and Urgent Need for Vaccines
In 2022, more than 1 lakh three thousand cases of mpox were reported in more than 120 countries. In 2024, 25,237 cases were reported in 14 countries on the African continent alone. So far 723 people have died in this. The MVA-BN vaccine has been given the green signal by the US, Switzerland, Singapore, Canada and the European Union.
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Monkeypox is currently raging in Africa. In this background, WHO chief Dr. Tedros Anoim Ghebreyesus said that there is a major threat of monkeypox in Africa. Hence, the approval of the vaccine is an important step in the fight against this disease.
Emergency declared in Africa
The World Health Organization has declared the country a global emergency due to the threat of monkeypox in Africa. After that, the pace of vaccine production against monkeypox increased. Bavarian Nordic took the lead in this. Based on information provided by this company, WHO has approved the distribution.
Distribution and Availability
The WHO’s EUL for the Mpox vaccine will facilitate its distribution to countries in need. This approval is expected to accelerate the procurement and delivery of the vaccine, making it more accessible to populations at risk. However, it’s essential to ensure equitable access to the vaccine, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources.
Additional Prevention Measures
While the vaccine offers a valuable tool in the fight against monkeypox, it’s important to complement it with other prevention measures. These include practicing safe sex, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and maintaining good hygiene. By combining vaccination with these measures, we can significantly reduce the transmission of monkeypox and mitigate its impact.
Side Effects of Mpox Vaccine
• Common: Mild side effects are common and typically resolve within a few days.
• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fever
• Rare: Serious side effects are rare but possible. These include allergic reactions.
Conclusion
The approval of the Mpox vaccine marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against the disease. It provides a much-needed tool for healthcare providers to protect individuals and communities from infection. As the vaccine becomes more widely available, it is essential to prioritize equitable distribution and implement comprehensive prevention strategies to effectively control the spread of monkeypox.
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