Early Experience With an Occupational JYNNEOS ( Orthopoxvirus ) Vaccination Program

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Vaccinology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Laboratory workers face potential exposure to orthopoxviruses, including mpox.
• JYNNEOS is a vaccine recommended for individuals at risk of orthopoxvirus infection.
• Implementing vaccination programs in high-risk laboratory settings presents unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify lessons learned from implementing JYNNEOS vaccination for laboratory workers.
• To document the process of vaccine procurement and administration under an occupational health program.
• To understand reasons for vaccine acceptance or declination and associated adverse effects.

Main Methods:

• A planned occupational health program offered JYNNEOS vaccination to at-risk laboratory workers.
• Vaccine was procured through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Drug Service.
• Surveys were used to collect data on vaccine acceptance, reasons for decisions, and adverse effects.

Main Results:

• The majority of laboratory workers accepted JYNNEOS vaccination.
• Occupational risk was the primary reason cited for vaccine acceptance.
• Most vaccine recipients experienced mild, localized adverse effects.
• The administrative procedures of the CDC Drug Service were documented.

Conclusions:

• Effective occupational health programs require meticulous planning and coordination for laboratory workers handling novel biological agents.
• Facilitating access to non-commercially available vaccines is a key component of such programs.
• Anticipating and mitigating barriers to vaccination, alongside compliance with specific regulatory requirements (e.g., CDC), is essential.