The executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina has emphasised the critical importance of the Mpox vaccine as a key tool in preventing Mpox infection through pre-exposure prophylaxis.
Speaking during an interview with journalists in Abuja, Aina highlighted the ongoing efforts by Nigeria to monitor and manage the spread of Mpox and underscored vaccination as one of the most effective methods of protection, particularly for individuals at higher risk of exposure.
“The Mpox vaccine is not just for those who have been exposed; it plays a vital role in pre-exposure prophylaxis,” Aina explained. “This means that getting vaccinated can significantly reduce the risk of infection before any potential exposure to the virus.” He added that the NPHCDA has been working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and other partners to ensure that vaccines are available and accessible to those who need them most.
The executive director urged the public, particularly those in high-risk categories, to take advantage of the vaccination campaigns being conducted across the country. “We are committed to ensuring that all Nigerians, particularly healthcare workers, individuals in affected communities and those with compromised immune systems, are protected against Mpox. Vaccination is a critical part of our strategy to curb the spread of the virus,” he said.
He also highlighted the agency’s ongoing public health awareness campaigns aimed at educating citizens about the benefits of the Mpox vaccine and the importance of early vaccination. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes. The virus spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal or through contaminated materials. While Mpox is generally self-limiting, it can lead to severe complications, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
As part of Nigeria’s continued efforts to combat the spread of Mpox, the NPHCDA’s vaccination initiatives remain a cornerstone of the country’s public health response. Aina announced that the country would begin administering Mpox vaccinations from October 8, following the completion of regulatory approvals.
The country recently received its first batch of 10,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). “Nigeria has confirmed 48 Mpox cases with no fatalities yet. Due to limited available doses—9,980 of the Jynneos Mpox vaccine—the quantities will be split evenly, with 1,996 doses allocated across five states for implementation,” Dr. Aina stated. The vaccines will undergo regulatory laboratory analysis for three weeks, after which they will be distributed across the five states, with 4,750 people receiving two doses each, 28 days apart.
The target population for these vaccinations includes those in close contact with Mpox cases, healthcare workers, and individuals with low immune status. According to Science Nigeria, JYNNEOS® is a third-generation vaccine licensed to prevent smallpox and Mpox. It is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) for individuals at risk of exposure to orthopoxvirus infections, including Mpox.
Since the 2022 Mpox outbreak, JYNNEOS has been the primary vaccine used in the U.S. The vaccine is based on the live, attenuated Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus, which does not replicate efficiently in humans. JYNNEOS, also known as Imvamune® or Imvanex® internationally, is fully licensed in the U.S. for use in adults aged 18 and older and became commercially available in the U.S. as of April 1, 2024.
