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To combat the monkeypox epidemic which is spreading every day, the European Medicines Agency has just approved the use of Imvanex, a vaccine against human smallpox.
To combat monkeypox, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) considers the human smallpox vaccine reliable and has just authorized it for widespread use against the spread of monkeypox.
A vaccine that produces antibodies
On its website, the European Medicines Agency states that “for the prevention of monkeypox, the Agency considered that the efficacy of Imvanex could be deduced from animal studies”.
It is therefore based on thesimilarity between the virus contained in Imvanex and the variola (variola), monkeypox and vaccinia viruses” for production of antibodies that should protect against monkeypox.
A vaccine that is injected into the arm
The Imvanex vaccine is given by injection”preferably in the deltoid muscle, i.e. the upper arm“.”Persons who have never been vaccinated against smallpox, monkeypox or vaccinia virus disease should receive two 0.5ml doses, with the second dose given at least 28 days after the first” recommends the EMA.
“If a booster dose is deemed necessary in previously vaccinated persons, a single dose of 0.5 ml should be given. People with weakened immune systems (the body’s natural defences) who need a booster should be given two doses, with the second dose given at least 28 days after the first.” still believes the European health authority.
Some side effects
To be administered, this vaccine must be prescribed by a doctor. Some side effects are reported: headache, nausea, myalgia (muscle pain), fatigue and reactions at the injection site (pain, redness, swelling, hardening and itching). These are the most frequent.
The European Agency specifies that other effects may occur and that it is necessary to consult the vaccine leaflet to find out about them. Finally, remember that the injection should not be performed “in patients with hypersensitivity (allergy) to the avtive substance or to any of the substances present in trace amounts, such as chicken protein, benzonase and gentamicin”.