WHO Suggests Targeted Vaccination for Mpox

Author: Dian Kencana
August 22, 2024

World Health Organization

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested targeted vaccination as an effort to deal with monkeypox (mpox).

Unlike previous suggestions to combat COVID-19 pandemic in the form of mass vaccinations, WHO argued that stopping the spread of mpox is easier than COVID-19. Cited from Anadolu, WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris said that vaccinations must be carried out in affected areas.

“It’s not recommended for mass vaccination; that’s very important. It really needs to be targeted vaccination where the virus is transmitting,” Harris said.

Regarding the spread of mpox, Harris explained that the virus has two genetic types: Clade 1 and Clade 2. Her concern is the Clade 1b strain that emerged last year, due to its rapid transmission and high mortality rate, especially among children.

She said stopping mpox would be easy as long as those who suffer from it are identified and have contacts properly maintained, and isolation measures are implemented. She also asserted that there is no need for a lockdown due to the outbreak.