Bavarian Nordic’s smallpox vaccine, known as Jynneos (Imvamune or Imvanex in some regions), has shown 58% effectiveness against monkeypox after just one dose. This is encouraging news in the global fight against the rising monkeypox cases.
How the Vaccine Works
The vaccine was originally made to protect against smallpox, but since smallpox and monkeypox are from the same virus family, scientists believed it could also work for monkeypox. Recent studies have confirmed this, showing that even one dose provides significant protection.
Why This is Important
As monkeypox continues to spread, having a vaccine that works after just one dose is a big advantage. It means health authorities can vaccinate more people quickly, even if supplies are limited. Although two doses are still recommended for full protection, getting one shot already helps reduce the risk of infection and severe symptoms.
A Step Forward in the Global Effort
With this new data, countries are now able to reconsider their vaccine strategies, possibly focusing on giving out more single doses to reach a larger population faster. This is especially important in areas where the virus is spreading quickly and vaccine supplies are tight.
This vaccine is a key tool in controlling monkeypox, and experts will continue to study its long-term effects and the need for booster doses.