10,000 mpox vaccine doses arrive September as cases hit 40

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Jide Idris, has stated that 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine for mpox control may arrive in Nigeria in September.

However, Idris noted that these doses would be insufficient for a country with a population exceeding 200 million people.

During an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Idris explained that the doses would be prioritised and distributed by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to only vulnerable populations and high-risk groups.

“We don’t know exactly when the vaccine will arrive in Nigeria, but I think it may be next month (September). The NCDC doesn’t handle vaccines; it is the NPHCDA that manages vaccines,

“They are responsible for the distribution. We collaborate with them on the distribution pattern and the prioritisation of the vaccine,” he said.

He also mentioned that the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention was expecting approximately 10 million doses of the vaccine and might allocate two million doses to Nigeria if a request was made.

“I have discussed with the DG of NPHCDA about making that request. However, I’m not suggesting that the Africa CDC currently has the two million doses, as they are also applying for 10 million doses,” Idris noted.

He emphasised that the vaccine was intended for emergency use only and maintained that the 10,000 doses would not be sufficient for Nigeria’s needs given its population.

“Whatever is brought will not cover everyone. The NPHCDA will need to prioritise based on those most at risk.

“Priority will be given to those who are immunocompromised or have underlying conditions that make them more susceptible to mpox. The vaccine will be allocated to those who have not previously had mpox. We will focus on vulnerable populations and regions currently experiencing high rates of the disease,” he said.

He also added that the vaccine’s efficacy is still under review.

“The vaccine is for emergency use only. We don’t have extensive data on its effectiveness as it is still undergoing testing. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has approved its use under emergency conditions. However, controlling the spread of mpox also depends on preventing contact with infected individuals.”

Regarding state-level responses, Dr Idris mentioned that he has met with state health commissioners to establish emergency preparedness committees in each state.

“All states must be prepared. We will support them, but they are responsible for setting up their emergency response teams and action plans,” he said.

Meanwhile, the NCDC reported on Friday that Nigeria had recorded a total of 40 confirmed cases of mpox out of 830 suspected cases across the country.

Idris provided this update at a joint NCDC/World Health Organisation national mpox briefing with stakeholders and partners in Abuja.

https://punchng.com/10000-mpox-vaccine-doses-arrive-september-as-cases-hit-40/