Monkeypox Vaccination: Monkeypox or Mpox is a viral disease which is similar to smallpox and is caused by the Mpox virus. It is mostly confined to the regions of Africa but recently it has been occurring in other countries and regions as well. It is a rare disease and usually affects rodents such as rats or mice and nonhuman primates such as monkeys.
However recently, the virus has mutated and now it can affect human beings as well. It can lead to the development of flu-like symptoms in people such as fever and chills and a rash which can last for weeks. Mpox has no cure as of yet however many pharmaceutical companies are working to produce the treatment options for this condition. The researchers have developed a vaccine to prevent the occurrence of Mpox in people.
This vaccine is available to everyone over the age of 18 years or older who are at high risk of developing the monkeypox infection. The vaccine is completely safe for administration. The article given below will give you all the details regarding Mpox vaccine, who can get the vaccine, the causes and symptoms of the disease and the availability of the vaccine.
Monkeypox Vaccination
Mpox is a disease caused by the Mpox virus which can lead to the development of ild to moderate flu-like symptoms in the patients. Some patients may also die from the complications associated with Monkeypox but the disease is not considered to be fatal.
Monkeypox can infect any human who comes in contact with the virus and the infection usually starts after 5 to 21 days of exposure. The disease can be prevented by a vaccine which is developed under the name JYNNEOS. This is a two-dose vaccine and you need to get both the doses in order to have the best protection against the disease. The second dose of the vaccine is given 4 weeks after the first dose of the vaccine.
Currently, the WHO has not announced the requirement of mass vaccination and only the individuals who have been exposed to the virus or are at the risk of exposure should get the vaccination.
Who Should Get the Vaccine
Currently, the vaccine is not recommended to be administered in everyone as Mpox has not been declared a pandemic. Anyone who is at the risk of developing Mpox should get the vaccine. The following criteria is set to determine who should get the vaccine and who should not.
You should get the vaccine if you fit any of the following criteria.
- You suspect that you have been exposed to the virus.
- You have had a sexual partner in the last 2 weeks whi has been diagnosed with mpox.
- You are gay, bisexual, transgender or gender diverse and have more than one sexual partner.
- You had a sexual encounter at a commercial sex place like a club or bathhouse
- You had a sexual encounter at a place where the transmission of mpox is occurring.
- You or your sexual partner has had a diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease in the last 6 months.
- If you are going to take part in any of the above mentioned scenarios.
- You work with orthopxviruses in a laboratory or as a healthcare worker.
You should NOT get the vaccine if you had a severe allergic reaction after your first dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine.
Monkeypox Causes and Symptoms
Monkeypox is caused by the Mpox virus when a person gets exposed to the virus. The virus can spread through sexual contact, direct contact with the rashes or scabs of an infected person, through the objects contaminated with the virus and through an infected pregnant women to the foetus.
The virus can spread from animals to women through animal bites, food or products made of infected animals and direct contact with the rashes or body fluids of the infected animals.
Monkeypox can present the following symptoms in the patients.
- Fever and chills
- Skin rash
- Headaches
- Muscle aches and body aches
- Fatigue and malaise
- Swollen Lymph nodes
Availability of Monkeypox Vaccines
- The vaccine is available globally for use but they are not recommended for everyone.
- Since the original smallpox virus is not available readily since its eradication, it has been difficult to prepare a vaccine.
- There are two vaccines available for monkeypox which are JYNNEOS and ACAM2000.
- The ACAM2000 is not recommended in people living with comorbidities such as weak immune system, pre-existing skin disorders and pregnant women.
- The JYNNEOS vaccine is a two dose vaccine which should be administered at a gap of 28 days.
- There is no data for the effectiveness of the these vaccine as research is till ongoing.
- Even after taking the vaccine, you should follow the necessary preventive measures and avoid close contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with the virus.
- There is low supply of the vaccine hence everyone cannot be vaccinated and a priority system is followed where anyone who has had exposure with the virus is vaccinated within 4 days of contact.
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FAQs Related to Monkeypox Vaccination
Monkeypox or Mpox is a viral disease which is similar to smallpox and is caused by the Mpox virus. It is mostly confined to the regions of Africa but recently it has been occurring in other countries and regions as well. It is a rare disease and usually affects rodents such as rats or mice and nonhuman primates such as monkeys. However recently, the virus has mutated and now it can affect human beings as well.
Anyone who has had a recent encounter with the Mpox virus or is going to travel in a location where Mpox is prevalent then they are eligible for Mpox vaccine. This vaccine can be administered to anyone who suspects that they may have contracted the virus from their partner or someone else.
Currently, no side effects of the vaccine have been reported by the people who received their shots. However people who have severe allergies can develop allergic reactions such as Anaphylaxis which needs immediate medical attention.