The FDA just made a big change to monkeypox vaccine strategy
Following a lackluster initial response to monkeypox, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a new strategy aimed at maximizing the still-limited supply of the Jynneos vaccine.On Tuesday, the FDA authorized emergency use of the vaccine against the disease, allowing for a single dose to be split into five smaller doses.“In recent weeks the monkeypox virus has continued to spread at a rate that has made it clear our current vaccine supply will not meet the current demand,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M.
Califf, M.D. in a statement.“The FDA quickly explored other scientifically appropriate options to facilitate access to the vaccine for all impacted individuals.
By increasing the number of available doses, more individuals who want to be vaccinated against monkeypox will now have the opportunity to do so.”Health officials emphasized that the fractional doses, which will be administered between layers of the skin (intradermally) as opposed to below the skin, provide the same protection against the virus.
Two doses, spread four weeks apart, will still be needed.The FDA also opened up the vaccine supply to people under 18 if they are determined to be at high risk of infection.The emergency authorization comes after the Biden administration and the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a public health emergency.President Biden recently named Dr.
