
WHO approves mpox vaccine for ages 12-17
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved Bavarian Nordic’s mpox vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17. Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the mpox virus, which, though often developing mildly with flu-like symptoms, can be deadly. Initially approved by WHO in September for adults, the vaccine had already been authorized for the same age group by the EU’s drug agency. WHO’s approval facilitates African countries, severely affected by mpox outbreaks, in procuring the vaccine. The US FDA has not yet endorsed it for those under 18. The ongoing outbreak, which has caused over 100,000 recorded cases and at least 200 deaths globally, was declared a health crisis by WHO in August. Clinical tests are planned to evaluate the vaccine’s use for 2 to 12-year-olds.