Vaccination rollout set to begin on October 8

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency has set a target date of October 8, 2024, to begin vaccination for Mpox. The vaccine deployment is scheduled to kick off from October 3 to 6, 2024, following regulatory procedures by NAFDAC.

With only 9,980 doses of the Jynneos Mpox vaccine available, the vaccination will be evenly distributed (1,996 doses each) across five states in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The target population of 4,750 individuals in these states includes close contacts of Mpox cases, health workers, and persons with low immune status. Vaccination sites will be identified, with a focus on specific communities at risk. Additional doses are being determined to maximize the available stock.

Mpox, a rare viral disease, has been declared a public health emergency, with Nigeria having recorded 48 confirmed cases out of 868 suspected cases. The donation of 10,000 doses of Jynneos vaccine by the US government aims to combat the spread of Mpox in the country.