An undated colorized scanning electron micrograph of mpox virus (red) on the surface of infected VERO E6 cells (green), captured at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland
Reuters
WHO approved the mpox (Jynneos) vaccine for adolescents aged 12-17
The vaccine was prequalified for adolescents on October 8
WHO declared mpox a global health emergency again in August
The World Health Organization said on Monday it had approved Bavarian Nordic's BAVA.CO mpox vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, an age group considered especially vulnerable to outbreaks of the disease that has triggered global concern.
The WHO said in a statement that it gave the Jynneos vaccine prequalification for adolescents on Oct. 8.
The WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years in August after a new type of the virus spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to its neighbors.
The United Nations agency approved the use of the vaccine in September as the first shot against mpox in adults, making it easier for badly hit African countries to access the vaccine.
Dr. Tresor Wakilongo verifies the evolution of skin lesions on the ear of Innocent, suffering from Mpox, in Nyiragongo territory near Goma, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo July 19, 2024Reuters
Children, adolescents and those with weakened immune systems have been particularly vulnerable to mpox, a viral infection that typically causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions filled with pus.
WHO's latest decision comes after the EU approved the drug for the vaccine for adolescents in September.
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