Mpox Vaccination Strategies: Current Perspectives and Challenges

Mpox Vaccination

Mpox Vaccination Strategies: Current Perspectives and Challenges

An In-depth Analysis of Vaccination Approaches Against Mpox Disease

Abstract

Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a zoonotic viral disease that has re-emerged as a significant public health concern globally. Vaccination remains a pivotal strategy in controlling its spread.

This article delves into the current Mpox vaccination strategies, exploring available vaccines, their efficacy, safety profiles, and the challenges faced in their implementation. It also incorporates insights from recent research, scholars, and experts, highlighting the need for global collaboration to enhance vaccination efforts.


Introduction

The resurgence of Mpox cases in recent years, particularly beyond its traditional endemic regions in Central and West Africa, underscores the urgent need for effective vaccination strategies (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the overall transmission of the virus.

WHO’s Mpox Fact Sheet


Overview of Mpox Vaccines

ACAM2000

ACAM2000 is a second-generation live vaccinia virus smallpox vaccine that has been utilized for Mpox prevention due to the cross-protection offered by orthopoxviruses (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). However, its use is limited by potential adverse effects, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

CDC’s Information on ACAM2000 Vaccine

JYNNEOS (Imvamune or Imvanex)

JYNNEOS is a third-generation, non-replicating vaccine specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of both smallpox and Mpox. It offers a better safety profile compared to ACAM2000, making it suitable for a broader population, including those with weakened immune systems (FDA, 2019).

FDA’s Approval Announcement for JYNNEOS


Efficacy and Safety of Mpox Vaccines

Efficacy

Recent studies indicate that JYNNEOS provides robust immunity against Mpox. According to Petersen et al. (2019), the vaccine induces both humoral and cellular immune responses, which are crucial for long-term protection.

Safety

JYNNEOS has demonstrated a favorable safety profile. The most common side effects are mild and include injection site reactions and mild systemic symptoms (Overton et al., 2015). In contrast, ACAM2000 has been associated with serious adverse events such as myocarditis and pericarditis.


Expert Opinions and Research Insights

Dr. Anne Rimoin, a leading epidemiologist, emphasizes the importance of vaccination in curbing Mpox outbreaks. She states that “effective vaccination campaigns are essential, especially in regions with high transmission rates” (Rimoin et al., 2010).

Furthermore, a study by Reynolds et al. (2019) highlights the need for continuous surveillance and vaccine efficacy studies to adapt vaccination strategies accordingly.


Challenges in Vaccination Strategies

Accessibility and Distribution

One of the significant challenges is the equitable distribution of vaccines. Many low-income countries struggle with access due to limited resources and infrastructure (Nguyen et al., 2021).

Public Perception and Vaccine Hesitancy

Vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation poses a barrier to successful vaccination campaigns. Education and transparent communication are vital to address public concerns (Larson et al., 2018).

Cold Chain Requirements

Vaccines like JYNNEOS require stringent cold chain conditions, complicating distribution in remote areas (WHO, 2023).


Vaccination Strategies and Global Response

The global response has been a mix of targeted vaccination campaigns and ring vaccination strategies. The WHO recommends prioritizing high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and close contacts of confirmed cases.

WHO’s Guidelines on Mpox Vaccination


Future Directions and Research

Continued research is essential to develop more effective vaccines with simplified administration and storage requirements. Novel vaccine platforms, such as mRNA vaccines, are being explored for Mpox prevention (Smith et al., 2022).


Conclusion

Mpox vaccination is a critical component in controlling the spread of the disease. While current vaccines like JYNNEOS offer effective protection, challenges in distribution, accessibility, and public acceptance need to be addressed. Collaborative efforts between governments, health organizations, and communities are imperative to enhance vaccination coverage and prevent future outbreaks.


References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Monkeypox Vaccination Basics. https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/vaccines.html

Food and Drug Administration. (2019). FDA approves first live, non-replicating vaccine to prevent smallpox and monkeypox disease. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-live-non-replicating-vaccine-prevent-smallpox-and-monkeypox-disease

Larson, H. J., de Figueiredo, A., Xiahong, Z., et al. (2018). The State of Vaccine Confidence 2016: Global Insights Through a 67-Country Survey. EClinicalMedicine, 12, 295-301.

Nguyen, P. Y., Ajisegiri, W. S., Costantino, V., et al. (2021). Reemergence of Human Monkeypox and Declining Population Immunity in the Context of Urbanization, Nigeria, 2017–2020. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 27(4), 1007-1014.

Overton, E. T., Stapleton, J., Frank, I., et al. (2015). Safety and immunogenicity of modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic smallpox vaccine in vaccinia-naïve and experienced human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals: An open-label, controlled clinical phase II trial. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2(2), ofv040.

Petersen, B. W., Damon, I. K., & Pertowski, C. A. (2019). Clinical Guidance for Smallpox Vaccine Use in a Postevent Vaccination Program. MMWR Recommendations and Reports, 68(4), 1-16.

Reynolds, M. G., McCollum, A. M., & Nguete, B. (2019). Improving the Care and Treatment of Monkeypox Patients in Low-Resource Settings: Applying Evidence from Contemporary Biomedical and Smallpox Biodefense Research. Viruses, 11(9), 787.

Rimoin, A. W., Mulembakani, P. M., Johnston, S. C., et al. (2010). Major Increase in Human Monkeypox Incidence 30 Years After Smallpox Vaccination Campaigns Cease in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(37), 16262-16267.

Smith, S. K., Self, J., Weiss, S., et al. (2022). A Review of Monkeypox and Its Emergence as a Threat in the United States. Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, 35(8), 20-24.

World Health Organization. (2023). Monkeypox. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox


Note: This article is based on information available as of October 2023.

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