New Zealand to immunize people with non-approved mpox vaccine

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Jan 2023 16:07

As monkeypox returns to New Zealand, the government seeks to immunize people despite the vaccine remaining non-approved.

Mock-up vials labeled "Monkeypox vaccine" and medical syringes are seen in this illustration taken May 25, 2022 (Reuters).

Authorities in New Zealand are reportedly preparing to immunize the populace against mpox, also known as monkeypox, using a vaccine that hasn't yet received approval, local media reported on Monday.

The New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority, or Medsafe, has requested the appropriate documentation from the producer, preventing the authorities from releasing the vaccine as fast as they would want, according to the 1News TV channel in New Zealand.

According to the media, there won't be much of a marketing effort and the vaccine's proprietary name won't be utilized because it is illegal to sell unapproved medications.

Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall reaffirmed with "that’s right, we can’t [promote or advertise unapproved medicines]. But we are making sure that everyone has the opportunity for a funded visit with their medical practitioner to discuss whether the vaccine is right for them."

Imminent threat of renewed Monkeypox outbreak remains, experts warn

Although the monkeypox outbreak has been receding globally in recent months, experts warned in October that the virus may resurge, as some African countries are still faced with this burden as it has long been endemic.

The World Health Organization said this week that since the month of May, more than 73,000 cases and 29 deaths have been recorded in over 100 countries.

The virus peaked in July, followed by a consistent fall in total cases, especially in the European and North American continents which were the hardest hit areas in the early stages of the global outbreak.