Hundreds of people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to a new variant of the pox virus that has since spread to parts of Central and East Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced earlier this month that this outbreak is a global public health emergency. It is caused by a relatively recent and more severe form of the Mpox virus, called Clade 1b. According to the WHO, ensuring vaccine access to the most affected regions is crucial in combating the outbreak.
Is there a vaccine for smallpox ?
Two vaccines are recommended by WHO against Mpox – formerly known as monkeypox. However, many countries have yet to approve their use. The MVA-BN or LC16 vaccines, or the ACAM2000 vaccine, are recommended by WHO when other vaccines are unavailable.
Earlier this month, the WHO launched the emergency use listing of monkeypox vaccines. The aim is to facilitate access for low-income countries that have not yet officially recognized this assistance. Thanks to this categorization, organizations like UNICEF and Gavi can pool and distribute vaccines.
Currently, mass vaccination is not recommended by WHO. Instead, it is advised to target individuals at risk, those who have been in close contact with someone infected with monkeypox, and those living in communities affected by outbreaks.
According to WHO, if your healthcare provider considers you at risk due to your travel plans, it may be possible to consider vaccination. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) advised travelers last week to get vaccinated if they plan to visit affected regions in Africa.
People who have already been vaccinated against smallpox may only need a single booster dose instead of two. Booster doses are generally recommended every two to ten years if the person remains at risk of exposure.
Does the old smallpox vaccine protect against Monkeypox ?
A virus from the smallpox family is responsible for monkeypox. A smallpox vaccine given to a large number of older individuals may be beneficial. The vaccine was discontinued more than forty years ago after smallpox was eradicated by WHO in 1980 (the only infectious disease to achieve this status).
Are there enough smallpox vaccines ?
The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that they have a « clear plan » to secure 10 million vaccine doses for the continent by 2025. The DRC and Nigeria will begin vaccinations next week, with the DRC using doses from the United States and Japan, and Nigeria using vaccines from the United States.
Roger Kamba, Minister of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo, announced that children would be vaccinated first, as those under 15 years old have a higher rate of infection with the Mpox virus. An agreement was signed with a Danish manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic, by the African CDC to use its technology and manufacture vaccines in Africa.
Recently, WHO has urged drug manufacturers to offer their smallpox vaccines for emergency use, even if these vaccineshave not yet been officially approved. The U.S. government announced that it expects to receive its first batch of 10,000 vaccines from Nigeria on Tuesday. The Democratic Republic of Congo states that the U.S. has promised 50,000 doses, while Japan has said it will provide 3.5 million.
Is the smallpox vaccine Effective ?
According to WHO, smallpox vaccines « offer some level of protection against infection and severe disease ». Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, stated that monkeypox was not considered « the new COVID » – even though the new variant was present – because it could be controlled through non-discriminatory public health action and equitable access to vaccines.
After being vaccinated, it is recommended to avoid catching or spreading monkeypox, as it takes several weeks to develop immunity. Some individuals may not respond to the vaccine. Even if you are vaccinated against smallpox, the vaccine protects you against severe illness and hospitalization.
