Smallpox Vaccine Production Increased Amid Monkeypox Outbreak

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Smallpox Vaccine Production Increased Amid Monkeypox Outbreak
24 May 2022
min read

News Synopsis

Bavarian Nordic A/S, a Danish vaccine maker, is increasing the number of smallpox vaccines that have been used, which are usually stockpiled for biological warfare as the government seeks doses that also provide protection against monkeypox amid anomalous outbreaks around the world. 

According to the non-profit data platform Global Health, monkeypox, a viral disease rarely detected outside Africa, has been reported in at least 17 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, and Australia. 

There is no vaccine that specifically targets monkeypox. However, studies have shown that smallpox vaccines such as Bavarian Nordic's Shot, known in the United States as Jynneos, prevent at least 85% of monkeypox, which is closely associated with smallpox but is less severe. 

Paul Chaplin, CEO of Bavarian Nordic, said the company received calls from dozens of countries inquiring about vaccine dosages. He said inventory is limited at the moment, but he plans to make produce more doses in the coming weeks and months.

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