Current advances and challenges in mpox vaccine development: a global landscape

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• The 2022 mpox (monkeypox virus) outbreak highlighted the need for effective vaccines.
• Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the importance of continuous vaccine evaluation for safety and efficacy.
• Emerging mpox strains necessitate ongoing vaccine development for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in mpox vaccine development.
• To assess the effectiveness of smallpox vaccines in providing cross-protection against mpox.
• To identify barriers and propose strategies for equitable vaccine distribution, especially in resource-poor settings.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on mpox vaccine development.
• Analysis of data on smallpox vaccine cross-protection against mpox.
• Examination of public health strategies for global mpox surveillance and vaccine access.

Main Results:

• Smallpox vaccines demonstrate crucial cross-protection against mpox.
• Ongoing research is vital for developing new vaccines against mpox and its variants.
• Equitable vaccine access and distribution are critical for controlling human-to-human transmission.

Conclusions:

• Continued evaluation of existing vaccines and development of new ones are essential for managing mpox.
• Strengthening global surveillance and ensuring equitable vaccine distribution are key public health actions.
• Addressing vaccine disparity is crucial to prevent future mpox outbreaks, particularly in vulnerable populations.