CDC Advisors Agree To Use The Mpox Vaccine In Upcoming Epidemics

Mar, 2023 - By WMR

For adults at risk of contracting the illness during an outbreak, the two-dose Jynneos mpox vaccine was approved by the independent vaccine advisors to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday.

At the onset of the most current outbreak in August, the incidence rates of mpox, commonly referred to as monkeypox, have significantly decreased in the US. According to the current seven-day average, there are still two new cases reported daily, up from roughly 450 instances per day in August. Nonetheless, the experts noted that two cases per day are more than the US has seen in past years.

The two-dose Jynneos vaccination series for anyone 18 years of age and older at risk for mpox during a mpox epidemic is recommended by ACIP, according to the votes of the 18 members.

The Jynneos vaccine was approved by the committee in 2021 for use in those at risk of viral exposure due to their line of work. The vaccine received authorization for emergency use in August, during the midst of the epidemic, to assist stop the spread of disease.

Studies conducted during the outbreak revealed that the vaccine was up to 83% efficient, according to the CDC, even though its efficacy for mpox was never shown in clinical trials. However, more information is required to completely comprehend how well it functions in those who have underlying medical conditions that compromise their immune systems.

According to the CDC presentation, there were no brand-new or unanticipated safety issues with the vaccine. Adults rarely experienced serious adverse events. Neither myocarditis nor pericarditis risk appeared to have increased as a result of the vaccination. Fatigue and injection site redness were the two most typical complaints. Although deaths from the illness were uncommon—32 deaths, or 0.1% of mpox cases—mostly occurred in extremely immunocompromised individuals.

The recent outbreak has once again brought attention to the consequences that contagious diseases can pose to our communities, the significance of a strong state and local public health response, the importance of partners and communities that are engaged in paying attention to public health threats, and the role that vaccines can play in containing outbreaks.