Why it matters: Resurrection is possible.
In the United States, the number of people infected with mpox last year exceeded 30,000, and the number of infected people has been declining sharply since peaking last summer. Mpox cases are also declining globally, with the World Health Organization declaring an end to the public health emergency earlier this month.
“But the epidemic is not over. We must remain vigilant and continue our prevention efforts,” Dr. Christopher Braden, CDC’s mpox response incident manager, said at a press conference Thursday.
More than 1.2 million doses of the vaccine were administered in the United States last year.However, the number of doses has since decreased last summer, and nationally only 23 percent of people Those considered at risk are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. There are also large geographic, racial, and ethnic disparities in vaccination coverage.
And it is clear that vaccines are not silver bullets.of New case group Many of the patients were fully vaccinated, according to a recent Chicago report.
The Chicago Department of Health and the CDC are currently investigating the cluster, which currently includes 21 people, all of whom have mild symptoms, Dr. .
“But what we do know is that vaccination reduces the chances of contracting or spreading mpox and, importantly, even if it doesn’t prevent infection, it causes severe illness, hospitalization and death. It’s the potential to reduce the chances,” he said.
Background: Vaccines were largely unknown.
Jynneos, made by a small Danish company, is the safer of the two vaccines available for mpox. It was originally planned to be administered subcutaneously as two doses 28 days apart.
However, due to limited vaccine supplies, authorities deviated from the intended dosing regimen.
Some studies have suggested that a single dose of the vaccine may provide significant protection. And last August, federal officials granted emergency approval for intradermal administration to increase available supplies.
However, there is little evidence for the efficacy of these strategies and is based primarily on research findings and not on real-life patient experience.
What’s next: Authorities are preparing a new push for vaccination.
It said the number of infected people could rise in the coming weeks “due to the gathering of people at festivals and other events.” CDC warns. Public health experts and officials are urging those at risk to get vaccinated before the Pride event begins next month.
“For me, the most important message is if you haven’t had your first dose, get it now because you’ll have to wait four weeks to get your second dose,” said Jacqueline. Dr. L. Gerhardt stated: Medical officer at Epic Research and principal investigator of the NEJM study, he is one.
Dr. Daskarakis said additional research is currently underway, including studies on the long-term persistence of the vaccine.
Sharon Otterman contributed to the report.
