The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the MVA-BN vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S, as the first MPOX vaccine. The vaccine has been added to the WHO prequalification list, with the aim of improving access, particularly for communities in Africa facing urgent need. The two-dose vaccine has demonstrated 82% efficacy in preventing MPOX after full administration. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the importance of equitable access to the vaccine to curb ongoing outbreaks.
WHO qualifies the first Mpox vaccine
WHO announced the inclusion of the MVA-BN vaccine in its prequalification list, a significant step towards improving global access to mpox vaccines. The decision was made following a review by the European Medicines Agency.
Attention to outbreaks in Africa
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that approval is crucial to addressing the current MPOX outbreaks, especially in Africa. He underlined the need for rapid scale-up of procurement and distribution to ensure equitable access to the vaccine.
“This first prequalification of an mpox vaccine is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in the context of current outbreaks in Africa and in the future,” he said.
“Together with other public health tools, this vaccine will help prevent infections, stop transmission and save lives,” he said.
Vaccine efficacy and administration
The MVA-BN vaccine, administered in two doses four weeks apart, is suitable for those aged 18 and over and has demonstrated an estimated efficacy of 82% when both doses are administered.
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