Bavarian Nordic’s mpox vaccine approved for youths

The EU’s Medicines Agency has approved Bavarian Nordic’s mpox vaccine for use in individuals as young as 12. This approval could particularly benefit children and teenagers in Africa, where recent outbreaks have occurred. The WHO declared a global health crisis in August due to the outbreaks. Initially approved for adults over 18, Bavarian Nordic aims to expand eligibility to even younger children, pending safety trials set to begin in October. The disease, previously known as monkeypox, has seen over 25,000 cases and at least 270 deaths since January, with the majority of cases in children under 15. Symptoms include flu-like signs and a blistering rash.