The World Health Organization has recently authorized the first mpox vaccine for children, a significant development aimed at expanding immunization efforts in regions heavily impacted by outbreaks of the disease, particularly in Congo and other parts of Africa. This decision comes in response to a notable increase in mpox cases among children under 18, with more than 25,000 suspect cases reported in Congo alone.
The approved mpox vaccine, produced by Japanese company KM Biologics, is now cleared for use in children over 1 year of age as a single dose. The move is expected to provide much-needed protection to vulnerable populations, as children have been identified as being at a higher risk of severe mpox symptoms and mortality.
