What type of vaccine is the monkey pox vaccine? This question has been on the minds of many people as the monkeypox outbreak continues to spread globally. Monkeypox is a viral disease that can cause severe illness in humans, and the vaccine plays a crucial role in preventing its transmission. In this article, we will explore the type of vaccine used to combat monkeypox and its effectiveness in controlling the outbreak.
The monkeypox vaccine used for the current outbreak is the Jynneos vaccine. Jynneos is a non-replicating, live-attenuated vaccine that is designed to protect against both monkeypox and smallpox. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019 for the prevention of monkeypox disease in individuals 18 years of age and older. The vaccine is also authorized for use in children 6 months through 17 years of age.
The Jynneos vaccine is administered as a two-dose series, with the second dose given four weeks after the first. The vaccine is given intramuscularly, typically in the deltoid muscle of the arm. The vaccine’s effectiveness is believed to be around 85% for monkeypox prevention, although this can vary depending on the individual’s immune response.
The Jynneos vaccine is based on the same technology as the smallpox vaccine, which is a live-attenuated vaccine. Live-attenuated vaccines contain a weakened form of the virus that causes the disease. When the vaccine is administered, the weakened virus stimulates the immune system to produce an immune response without causing the disease itself. This immune response helps to protect the individual from future infections by the same virus.
One of the advantages of the Jynneos vaccine is that it can be used to protect against both monkeypox and smallpox. This is particularly important in the event of a smallpox outbreak, as smallpox is a related virus that can cause severe illness and death. The ability to protect against both viruses makes the Jynneos vaccine a valuable tool in the fight against these diseases.
However, there are some concerns regarding the Jynneos vaccine. Some individuals may experience mild side effects after receiving the vaccine, such as pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions have been reported. Additionally, the vaccine is not effective for everyone, and some individuals may not develop an adequate immune response.
In conclusion, the monkeypox vaccine is a live-attenuated vaccine known as Jynneos. It is designed to protect against both monkeypox and smallpox and is considered to be an effective tool in controlling the current outbreak. While the vaccine has its advantages, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and limitations. As the monkeypox outbreak continues, the importance of widespread vaccination efforts cannot be overstated.
