WHO Approves First Global 'Monkeypox Vaccine'
Geneva, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) — The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the approval of the MVA-BN vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S, as the first vaccine to prevent mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). The vaccine was added to WHO’s list of prequalified medicines on Friday, Sept. 13.
Geneva, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) — The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the approval of the MVA-BN vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S, as the first vaccine to prevent mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). The vaccine was added to WHO’s list of prequalified medicines on Friday, Sept. 13.
Children infected with mpox (monkeypox) in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The approval will significantly improve access to the mpox vaccine, especially in regions facing outbreaks, such as Africa. It is a two-dose vaccine administered four weeks apart for adults aged 18 and older.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that this approval is a crucial step in combating both current and future mpox outbreaks. He also stressed the need for equitable vaccine distribution, ensuring high-risk populations have access.
Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s Assistant Director-General, noted that the prequalification would accelerate international procurement and national regulatory approvals.
Current data suggests the MVA-BN vaccine has a 76% efficacy after the first dose and an 82% efficacy after the second dose. WHO reiterated the importance of ongoing data collection on the vaccine's safety and effectiveness.
Source: Xinhuathai
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