WHO Approves Bavarian Nordic’s Mpox Vaccine for Adolescents Amid Global Concerns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the approval of Bavarian Nordic’s Jynneos mpox vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17. This decision, made on October 8, marks a crucial step in protecting younger populations from the viral infection that has spread rapidly, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighboring countries.

Mpox, a viral infection known for causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesions, has been a rising concern globally. Children, adolescents, and immunocompromised individuals are considered especially vulnerable to severe cases of the disease. The WHO had previously declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, underscoring the urgency of mitigating its spread.

The EU had approved the same vaccine for adolescents in September, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had granted emergency use authorization for its use in adolescents during the mpox outbreak of 2022, though it remains primarily approved for adults.

In addition to WHO’s decision, Bavarian Nordic is preparing a clinical trial, funded partially by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), to evaluate the vaccine’s safety in children aged 2 to 12, potentially broadening its use in younger populations. Japan’s KM Biologics has also developed another mpox vaccine, LC16, which is approved for use in children but requires a special type of needle.