The Rush to Vaccinate Low-Risk Teens Against Mpox

Bavarian Nordic plans to seek European approval for its mpox vaccine for adolescents after the WHO declared a global public health emergency. Medical commentator John Campbell suggests that the risk of sustained mpox transmission in the West is low, with transmission mainly occurring through close contact rather than airborne. The CDC notes that severe cases in teens are rare. The current mpox vaccines are traditional antigen-based and offer moderate protection.

Editor’s Note: Why the rush to vaccinate a group that is not at significant risk? The answer seems to lie in profit rather than public health necessity. The focus should instead be on educating the public about the true nature of mpox and how it is transmitted. The panic that often accompanies such health emergencies can be minimized with proper knowledge and precautions. [See also: Pharma Profits Surge Amid Renewed Mpox Panic: Are We Repeating History?, WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak in Africa a Global Health Emergency]

Read Original Article