Not everyone gets it, Ministry of Health prioritizes MSM and this group for Mpox vaccine

Jakarta –

Mpox cases in Indonesia have been gradually recorded at 88 cases, based on records from 2022 to 2024. So far, all patients have been declared cured and have not complained of any serious symptoms.

The Mpox cases spreading in Indonesia are the Clade 2b variant, which is believed to have a lower death rate than Clade 1b. Even though we have not registered cases of Mpox Clade 1b, the government is trying to tighten entry points by monitoring entrants who complain of high fever, one of the early symptoms at Mpox.

Vaccination is another strategy used to reduce the risk of ‘outbreak’ of Mpox cases. It should be noted that Mpox vaccine is not given to all groups.

Based on the World Health Organization (WHO), the Mpox vaccine is for groups of men who have sex with men (MSM) or gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (GBMS), as well as individuals who have had contact with Mpox victims in the past two weeks.

“Other risk groups include laboratory workers who carry out virological sample tests, especially in areas where there are Mpox cases, and health workers who treat Mpox cases, “said Director of Vaccine Management at the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) Dr. Prima Yosephine, MKM, in Jakarta, Wednesday (28/8/2024).

“However, there is no need for people who have had this contact with the disease. Therefore, the Mpox vaccine is still a prevention. At the same time, patients who are already infected will receive appropriate treatment.”

Mpox vaccine cannot be given in bulk

The Indonesian Ministry of Health confirmed that it is not recommended to give Mpox vaccine on a large scale, to give it to groups that may be at risk of contact with patients to prevent infections. Meanwhile, for those who still contract Mpox after vaccination, it is hoped that this will protect against the risk of severe symptoms or the need for hospitalisation.

The type of Mpox vaccine used in Indonesia is the modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic group (MVA-BN). MVA-BN is a non-replicating 3rd generation smallpox derivative vaccine. WHO has recommended this vaccine for use during Mpox outbreaks.

“The Mpox vaccine is currently limited and is being used on priority targets in areas where cases have been reported. Then, especially in Bali, because there will be an international meeting (Indonesia Africa Forum on 1-3 September 2024) where there will be several. participants from infected areas so it is necessary “There are risk mitigation efforts to prevent the spread of Mpox,” explained Prima.

(naf/kna)