Mpox Vaccine Proven Effective in Study

Mpox Vaccine Proven Effective in Study

New Research Shows the mpox Vaccine Reduces Severity of Disease

We’ve all been eagerly awaiting news on how to minimize the impact of the mpox virus. Well, it seems like there’s good news on that front! While the mpox vaccine doesn’t completely prevent infection, new research suggests that it does reduce the severity of the disease in those who do fall ill.

An international team of scientists conducted a study on 38 mpox infections among 37 gay and bisexual men. Among them, eight experienced reinfections, while the rest suffered from the virus after completing a full vaccination course. The researchers found that those who had received the vaccine experienced fewer lesions, less disease affecting the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals, and required minimal pain medication or hospitalization.

To assess the severity of symptoms, researchers used the Mpox-SSS score, a numerical scoring system developed during the 2022 multi-country outbreak. This score takes into account the number of lesions, the level of care required, the amount of pain medication needed, the extent of mucosal areas affected, and the presence of any bacterial superinfection. The study showed that those who had been reinfected experienced less severe symptoms compared to their initial infection, with faster recovery times and a decreased need for pain medication.

Lead study author Dr. Chloe Orkin, a professor of HIV medicine at Queen Mary University of London, expressed her optimism about the findings, stating, “This is good news and shows that post-vaccination infections are less severe and the need for hospitalization is lower. This is clear evidence that vaccination is an important tool in reducing morbidity and controlling further outbreaks.” Dr. Orkin stressed the importance of ensuring global access to vaccinations and treatments, especially in the African regions that have historically been the hardest hit by mpox and still lack access to vaccines or treatments.

This study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, is the largest and only case series to examine both reinfections and infections after completing a full vaccine course. Since May 2022, more than 87,000 cases of human mpox have been reported in 112 countries, with transmission primarily occurring among sexually active gay and bisexual men through skin-to-skin and bodily fluid contact.

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Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, can cause rashes, fevers, and blisters, and in severe cases, it can lead to brain inflammation and seizures. It’s important to note that individuals with advanced HIV disease are particularly vulnerable, with death rates of up to 27% in this immunosuppressed group.

The findings of this research offer hope for controlling the mpox outbreak and reducing its impact. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in reducing the severity of the disease and preventing hospitalization. However, it is equally important to ensure global access to vaccines and treatments to effectively curb the spread of mpox.

For more information about mpox, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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