The UK government has ordered over 150,000 doses of Bavarian Nordic‘s mpox vaccine, targeting a new variant of the virus currently circulating in African nations. Although no cases of the clade I mpox strain have been reported in the UK, the variant, which originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has swiftly spread to neighboring countries, raising concerns about a broader outbreak.
The UK government plans to distribute the vaccine in phases, prioritizing individuals based on clinical need.Among those set to receive the vaccine are gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, healthcare professionals, and specialist workers, particularly those traveling to affected regions. Close contacts of confirmed mpox cases will also be eligible for the vaccine.
In response to the global health challenge, the World Health Organization (WHO) granted approval last Friday for Bavarian Nordic’s vaccine and launched a program to facilitate the distribution of vaccines, tests, and treatments to the most vulnerable populations, particularly in impoverished nations. Several countries have already committed to donating vaccine doses to support African countries combating the outbreak.
The European Union (EU) has pledged to share 215,000 doses with affected African nations, calling on its member states to coordinate donations to ensure a more efficient distribution process.