Vaccination Schedule Announced
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has confirmed the start of Nigeria’s Mpox vaccination campaign on October 8, 2024. This initiative follows a preparatory vaccine deployment phase scheduled from October 3 to October 6. Remi Adeleke, Head of the Public Relations Unit at the NPHCDA, announced these details. Adeleke provided the timeline for this crucial public health intervention.
Strategic Deployment and Limited Doses
The upcoming vaccination initiative will be strategically implemented across five states, selected based on the current Mpox case trends. The NPHCDA plans to distribute a total of 9,980 doses of the Jynneos MPox vaccine evenly across these states, ensuring that each receives 1,996 doses. This targeted approach aims to address the most affected and at-risk populations.
Focus on High-Risk Groups
Adeleke stated that the vaccination would target close contacts of confirmed Mpox cases, healthcare workers, and those with compromised immune systems. The strategy aims to prioritize those at highest risk of contracting the virus. Officials will administer two doses of the vaccine, spaced 28 days apart, to ensure each person achieves optimal immunity. This regimen is designed to maximize the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing Mpox.
Vaccination Sites and Eligibility
Authorities will concentrate the vaccination effort at two designated sites per state, primarily within identified infectious disease referral centres. Additionally, they will deploy special teams to communities as necessary to reach close contacts and other identified risk groups. According to the health officials, only individuals aged 18 and above will be eligible for the vaccine under the current strategy.
International Support and Vaccine Efficacy
The United States has bolstered the Mpox vaccination drive with a donation of 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration approved Jynneos for preventing smallpox and Mpox in adults at risk of infection. This approval provides a critical tool for controlling outbreaks effectively.
Public Health Emergency and Ongoing Surveillance
On August 13, 2024, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared Mpox a public health emergency of continental security. Nigeria has reported 48 confirmed cases across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The country continues its vigilant surveillance and response efforts to manage the outbreak. Efforts focus on curbing the virus’s spread through effective vaccination and public health strategies.
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