The WHO has approved the MVA-BN vaccine, manufactured by Bavarian Nordic A/S, as the first mpox vaccine. It has been added to the prequalification list of WHO in the hope that access will be improved, especially for communities in Africa that are in extreme need of the vaccine.

This two-dose vaccine is 82% effective in preventing mpox after full administration. The Director-General at WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the fact that making sure access to the vaccine is on equal terms in order to control the outbreaks currently taking place.

Mpox Vaccine Added To WHO List

MVA-BN vaccine is included on the WHO prequalification list, which is a major step toward better access to mpox vaccines worldwide. The decision came after a review by the European Medicines Agency.

Urgent Need For Scaled-Up Distribution In Africa

This is critical for the current mpox outbreaks in Africa, said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He said what was needed now was a rapid scale-up of vaccine procurement and distribution to achieve fairness.

He said, “The approval of this first mpox vaccine represents a significant step in our fight against the disease, both for the current outbreaks in Africa, and for future efforts.”

Dr. Tedros said, “Alongside other public health measures, the vaccine will help prevent infections, stop outbreaks and save lives.”

The MVA-BN vaccine, given in two doses four weeks apart, is meant for people over 18. It has shown about 82% effectiveness when both doses are received.