No Mass Vaccination Needed for MonkeyPox says PAHO

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

July 25, 2022 – An altered version of the smallpox vaccine which is effective against Monkeypox is being offered in countries around the world to protect the most vulnerable as cases rise and the World Health Organization declares the event a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The vaccine is called Imvanex in the UK and Europe, Jynneos in the US and Imvamune in Canada but the vaccine is the same in every case and is made by the same company.  The vaccine is effective before and even after contact with an infected person.  But for persons who may already be infected, it works best within four days of contact with an infected individual.

Unfortunately because Monkeypox has never broken out on this scale, demand is outstripping supply across the globe.  The UK at present is only offering one dose to the most vulnerable populations.  These include healthcare workers who are caring for and who are due to start caring for a patient with confirmed Monkeypox.

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) is at the highest risk of exposure and  people who have already had close contact with a patient with confirmed Monkeypox.

In terms of supply for the Turks and Caicos there has been no mention yet of providing overseas territories with the vaccine.

In fact the UK is firm on their stance that those at most risk will be considered first with every new batch that becomes available.  Not even healthcare workers “who work in non-specialist wards or clinics, even those in frontline services and Accident and Emergency” will get a vaccine if they do not meet the criteria.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency CARPHA has also not made any mention of procuring the vaccine as yet.  In the agency’s latest communication on July 18th it warned countries to be vigilant and Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director said, “Personnel are prepared to respond in country to assist in the investigation and control of an outbreak, should the need arise.”

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said vaccination should be done on a case by case basis but stressed, “Mass vaccination is not required nor recommended for Monkeypox at this time.”

Anyone can get Monkeypox through prolonged close contact with a positive individual, touching rashes or materials that have been in contact with an infected individual’s open lesions.