Study confirms effectiveness of single-dose MVA-BN vaccine in reducing mpox infections in high-risk populations, highlighting the need for expanded access and targeted interventions. Study: Effectiveness of modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic vaccine against mpox infection: emulation of a target trial. Image Credit: Marina Demiduik / Shutterstock.
com A recent study published in The BMJ confirms the effectiveness of the modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine against mpox. Global efforts to contain mpox Mpox was diagnosed in over 20 countries for the first time in May 2022, which led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international concern on July 23, 2022. The WHO has recommended second or third generation vaccines against smallpox to be used to protect high-risk individuals against mpox infection.
MVA-BN is a third generation live attenuated smallpox vaccine containing non-replicating virus. This vaccine was initially administered in June 2022 in Ontario, Canada as post-exposure prophylaxis to primarily protect men who have sex with men (MSM) and sex workers against mpox infection. Due to limited vaccine supply, only one vaccine dose was administered, despite recommendations for a second dose to be administered 28 days following the initial vaccine dose.
By September 30, 2022, the two-dose program was initiated. Observational data on the effectiveness of MVA-BN against mpox infection has indicated vaccine effect.