The World Health Organization (WHO) has made a groundbreaking announcement: the MVA-BN vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S, is now the first-ever mpox vaccine to receive WHO prequalification.
This pivotal approval is set to enhance vaccine accessibility in regions grappling with urgent mpox outbreaks, particularly in Africa, supporting global efforts to curb transmission and contain the disease's spread.
\"This first prequalification of a vaccine against mpox is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa, and in the future,\" stated WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
He emphasized the necessity of ramping up vaccine procurement and distribution to guarantee equitable access for those most at risk.
The vaccine regimen includes two doses administered four weeks apart to adults aged 18 and over.
WHO Assistant Director-General Yukiko Nakatani noted that this prequalification decision will expedite procurement by international agencies and accelerate national regulatory approvals.
Current data shows the vaccine is 76 percent effective after one dose and 82 percent effective after two doses. WHO underscores the importance of ongoing data collection on the vaccine's safety and effectiveness.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
