Very few in the U.S. getting full monkeypox vaccine series – CDC chief

By Ahmed Aboulenein and Julie Steenhuysen

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Only a few individuals who have gotten monkeypox pictures in the USA have acquired the second dose wanted for full safety, U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky mentioned on Friday.

She advised a White Home briefing that almost 97% of the pictures administered have been first doses, and though many individuals are eligible for a second dose, “only a few” have been given to date.

Walensky mentioned the CDC anticipated to realize extra perception into the pattern. Vaccine shortage might have brought on delays in second pictures beforehand however that was not the case, she mentioned.

Greater than 207,000 doses of Bavarian Nordic’s Jynneos vaccine got as of Aug. 23 within the 19 jurisdictions reporting information to the CDC, Walensky mentioned.

The vaccine must be given in two doses, 4 weeks aside, to be absolutely efficient.

To broaden entry to the vaccine, the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) on Aug. 9 approved giving it intradermally – between the layers of the pores and skin – which might permit suppliers to get 5 doses from a single one-dose vial.

Bavarian Nordic has raised doubts in regards to the security of the tactic, citing an absence of proof and the potential elevated threat of reactions in comparison with injecting it into the muscle.

Through the briefing on Friday, officers mentioned suppliers are reporting getting 4.5 to five doses per vial, however a number of consultants advised Reuters the determine is decrease.

“The overwhelming majority of well being departments that I’ve talked to within the final week are feeling lucky if they will get 4 doses out of a vial, and in some instances three,” Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious illness knowledgeable on the College of Minnesota, mentioned in an interview.

Dr. Umar Shaw, secretary of well being for Washington state, mentioned on Thursday that many suppliers have been getting three or 4 doses per vial.

Walensky confirmed that some U.S. jurisdictions have been reporting a downward pattern in monkeypox instances and that well being officers have been watching this with cautious optimism.

(Reporting by Ahmed Aboulenein in Washington and Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; further reporting by Rami Ayyub in Washington; modifying by Jonathan Oatis and Cynthia Osterman)