On Tuesday, 14 June, the European Commission and Bavarian Nordic in Denmark announced the signing of a contract to purchase more than 100,000 doses vaccines against monkeypox. This virus has been detected in 19 Member States and in Norway. Iceland.
According to a press release, the agreement covers the supply of 109.090 vaccines for European countries. The agreement is inspired by group purchases of anticovid vaccines, but it covers much smaller quantities. It is known as Imvanex in Europe, Jynneos USA and Imvamune Canada. It is a third generation vaccine (non-replicating vaccine). It is approved in Europe and used against smallpox in adults.
In June, the European Medicines Regulator (EMA) stated that it had begun discussions with Bavarian Nordic in order to expand its use against monkeypox. Although the disease is usually benign, it can spread to other endemic regions, mostly in Europe. The disease starts with a fever, and then quickly develops into a rash that can lead to the formation of scabs.
Recalls Brussels: The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDCP) has recommended that post-exposure vaccination be done as soon as possible to prevent or slow down the development of the disease.
The vaccines were purchased for the Hera health authority. It was established in the wake the Covid-19 pandemic. They will be available to the Twenty-Seven, as well as Norway and Iceland. First deliveries are expected by the end the month for priority countries. According to the institution, approximately 900 cases were reported in European countries since May 18. The contract amount was not disclosed.
The WHO reported that there were nearly 1,300 confirmed cases worldwide of the disease as of June 8. This was in non-endemic countries. Monkeypox, a less dangerous cousin to smallpox and which has been eradicated for 40 years, is now endemic in 11 West African and Central African countries.
