No immediate need for mass monkeypox vaccinations: WHO

The World Health Organization has stated that there is no immediate need for monkeypox mass vaccinations. Measures like good hygiene and safe sexual behavior will help control its spread, a senior official said on Monday.

The agency issued a statement on Monday, May 23rd. It explained that an immediate supply of vaccines and antiviral medication to defend against monkeypox is available within limits. The announcement by the US Centers for Disease Control was regarding the availability of JYNNEOS vaccinations to combat smallpox and monkeypox.

In its worst epidemic of the virus outside of Africa, where it is prevalent, public health authorities in Europe and North America are examining well over 100 probable and recorded incidents of viral infection. On Monday, Germany’s government said it was reviewing vaccination possibilities.

Measures for monkeypox

Monkeypox is a virus that does not transmit quickly or cause major disease, according to Richard Pebody, the head of the WHO’s pathogen threat division in Europe.

Pebody said, “the primary measures to control the outbreak are contact tracing and isolation. Noting that it is not a virus that spreads very easily, nor has it so far caused serious disease. The vaccines used to combat monkeypox can have some significant side-effects”. “Most of the confirmed cases have not been linked to travel to Africa which suggests there may be large amounts of undetected cases,” he added.

Moreover, the majority of those diagnosed with monkeypox in this outbreak have been guys who have had intercourse with men. He explained, “so we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg. I’m not saying to people don’t have a good time, don’t go to attend these events. It’s rather around what people do at the parties that matter. So it’s about safe sexual behavior, good hygiene, and regular hand washing. All these sorts of things will help to limit the transmission of this virus.”

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