#mpox vaccine

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly says Canada will provide $1 million to help stem the spread of mpox in Africa as her government assembles a long-delayed plan for how to engage with the continent. The funding will go to the World Health Organization as it tries to contain the the virus formerly known as monkeypox, which has been spreading rapidly across Africa. Joly is visiting a vaccination co-ordination centre in Ivory Coast ahead of a visit to South Africa for two days starting Wednesday. The visit to the West African nation is aimed at exploring shared counterterrorism priorities and affirming Canada's ties with both French-speaking countries.

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Tagging: @newsfromstolenland

[arctic-hands]

“I’m very surprised that anyone would call a state meeting, not provide an agenda for that meeting, not provide a written set of notes from that meeting,” said Kimberly Hood, who led the Office of Public Health, a subunit of the health department, from 2021 to 2022. “I think that, to me, it sounds like people are trying to avoid public records laws.” The policy change can be traced back to Gov. Jeff Landry (R), an anti-vaxxer who served as the state’s attorney general during the COVID pandemic, as well as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a Landry ally and Donald Trump’s pick to head up the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In his role as AG, Landry spoke at a state committee hearing in 2021 about his opposition to adding the COVID vaccines to the childhood immunization schedule. Kennedy testified alongside him, presenting false claims about COVID vaccines. As governor, Landry has signed five bills and two resolutions this year rolling back vaccine requirements, limiting the power of public health authorities, and questioning vaccine safety.

Jesus Christ

“It’s a medical marvel that we’re fortunate enough to live in a time where these vaccines are available to us,” she said, “and to not make use of that tool is unconscionable.”

[jwood718]

Louisiana forbids public health workers from promoting COVID, flu and mpox shots

Rosemary Westwood at WWNO for NPR reports.

Just highlighting here.

A group of high-level managers at the Louisiana Department of Health walked into a Nov. 14 meeting in Baton Rouge expecting to talk about outreach and community events.

Instead, they were told by an assistant secretary in the department and another official that department leadership had a new policy: Advertising or otherwise promoting the COVID, influenza or mpox vaccines, an established practice there — and at most other public health entities in the U.S. — must stop.

This will not be a written policy, and there are apparently no official minutes of the meeting.

"I mean, do they want to dismantle public health?" one employee at the health department said.

"We're really talking about deaths," said another. "Even a reduction in flu and COVID vaccines can lead to increased deaths."

In a statement, the Louisiana Department of Health told NPR it has been "reevaluating both the state's public health priorities as well as our messaging around vaccine promotion, especially for COVID-19 and influenza."

The statement described the move as a shift "away from one-size-fits-all paternalistic guidance" to a stance in which "immunization for any vaccine, along with practices like mask wearing and social distancing, are an individual's personal choice."

The state's new Governor, and the two top people at the head of the state's health agency, all promote mis- and disinformation concerning vaccine efficacy, including the discredited autism story.

...the Louisiana Department of Health told NPR it has been "reevaluating both the state's public health priorities as well as our messaging around vaccine promotion...[and] falsely claimed "the flu vaccine does not prevent one from getting the influenza virus."

The policy rises to the level of "absurdity," said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "It's gotten to the point of parody, where a public health agency doesn't promote the public's health."

"It's a dangerous, dangerous thing," Offit said. "It's the most vulnerable among us who suffer this, and it will be our children who suffer this. And my question will be, will they be held accountable?"

"You cannot ask people, 'Hey, we have flu shots. Would you like one?'" at a community event, according to the staff member with knowledge of the meeting. "But if they come up to us, knowing we are the health department and say, 'Hey, we hear y'all might have flu shots,' we can say, 'Yes, would you like one?'"

The medical directors were told that because the health department is a government agency, staff are not allowed to "coerce people" by promoting vaccinations, especially for COVID, flu and mpox. "They have definitely made it clear that we are not supposed to be pushing vaccines at all," the staff member added.

Full story with audio.

[wontgetfooledagain]

Here's some vaccine propaganda for you

[head-post]

ECA found “empty shelves” of vaccines despite EU supply commitments

A recent audit by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) found that a lack of EU funding for vaccine coordination and delivery led to empty shelves in partner countries, according to Euractiv.

The ECA report, published on Wednesday, 2 October, examines EU funding for health projects between 2007 and early 2024 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi and Zimbabwe. ECA member George-Marius Hyzler stated:

EU funds should be used more effectively as a matter of urgency, in particular by improving the allocation criteria for funding, ensuring that management costs are reasonable, and addressing project sustainability.

Auditors detected serious coordination issues with partner countries, leading to persistent shortages of medicines on shelves in Zimbabwe, low availability of vaccines and duplicate interventions.

The report was released against the backdrop of the ongoing outbreak of clade Ib mpox in Central and East Africa, recently declared an emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Although the mpox outbreak happened after our audit fieldwork had been finalised, our report covers issues linked to the delivery and distribution of medicines and the sustainability of programmes supporting health systems.

The paper also emphasises that mpox is not the only health challenge faced by African health systems. The auditors state that securing continued domestic and international financing is key to ensuring the sustainability of global health programmes.

Read more HERE

[medicalbiochem]

Mpox: What You Need to Know About the Vaccine in 2024

What is Mpox?

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is becoming a significant concern globally. You may be feeling uneasy about whether you need to protect yourself from the virus, especially with the rapid changes in vaccination guidelines. Are you unsure if the mpox vaccine is right for you in 2024? As vaccination efforts target various groups, it’s crucial to understand the facts. Should non-sexual individuals or healthcare professionals receive the vaccine? Let’s clarify the situation and examine the current recommendations, risk factors, and important details about the vaccine this year.

Why is the Mpox Vaccine Important?

The mpox vaccine plays a critical role in controlling outbreaks and preventing the further spread of the virus. The vaccine boosts your immune response to mpox. This makes it much less likely that you will experience severe symptoms if exposed to the virus. In 2024, health officials focused on high-risk groups and considered the changing dynamics of the virus.

Now that we understand what mpox is, let’s dive into who should consider getting the vaccine.

Who Should Get the Mpox Vaccine in 2024?

As of 2024, health authorities primarily recommended vaccinations against mpox for individuals in high-risk categories. While the virus can affect anyone, there are specific groups with a higher likelihood of exposure and serious infection. Understanding your risk level is key to deciding if you need the vaccine.

1. Doctors and Healthcare Workers

One of the most commonly asked questions is, “Do doctors get the mpox vaccine in 2024?” The answer depends largely on the nature of their work. Healthcare workers are at high risk of coming into contact with infectious diseases, especially those who work closely with skin or treat patients with viral infections.

Individuals handling mpox cases or those identified as high-risk should follow particular guidelines. Doctors are a priority group for vaccination because they are on the front lines, making them more susceptible to contracting and spreading the virus. The CDC and WHO have emphasized that even if healthcare workers are not in frequent contact with these patients, they should still evaluate their risk factors, particularly if their job involves exposure to bodily fluids.

2. Non-Sexual Individuals: Should You Get Vaccinated?

Another critical question is, “Should a non-sexual person receive the mpox vaccine in 2024?” While close contact transmission occurs, it is particularly prevalent within sexual networks and associated with the virus, but the virus does not only spread through sexual transmission. People can spread mpox by sharing personal items like towels, bedding, or clothing. They can also spread it through close physical contact, including respiratory droplets.

For non-sexual individuals, the risk may seem lower compared to those who are sexually active or frequently exposed to high-contact environments. For instance:

If you live with someone at high risk, such as a healthcare worker or an immunocompromised person, getting the vaccine adds a layer of protection.

If your job involves handling materials or working in environments of outbreak, consider getting vaccinated.

For frequent travelers, in areas with higher mumps infection rates. For individuals and in these regions, getting is necessary.

Vaccination decisions are complex for non-sexual individuals. Experts advise assessing personal risk and potential exposure to make an informed choice.

How Does the Mpox Vaccine Work?

The mpox vaccine uses a weakened virus to stimulate the body’s immune system, enabling it to recognize and fight off the mpox virus if exposed. The most common mpox vaccine used is the JYNNEOS vaccine, which also protects against smallpox, due to the similarities between the two viruses.

JYNNEOS is a two-dose vaccine administered four weeks apart, ensuring that recipients have robust immunity. Most people can tolerate the vaccine well. Mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever, may occur.

Why is the Vaccine Especially Important in 2024?

The 2024 guidelines for the mpox vaccine reflect a growing understanding of how the virus spreads and who is most at risk. Now, public health experts recognize that broader vaccination efforts may be necessary. Experts also advise that immunity from the vaccine may wane over time, leading to the possibility of booster shots in the coming years.

Addressing Common Concerns

1. Is the Vaccine Safe for Everyone?

The mpox vaccine is considered safe for most people, including individuals with weakened immune systems. However, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider if you have a history of severe allergies or adverse reactions to vaccines.

2. Does Vaccine Prevent All Mpox Cases?

No vaccine provides 100% protections, but the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Vaccinated people can still contact mpox. However, their symptoms are likely to be milder and less prolonged compared to those who are not vaccinated.

3. How Long Does the Vaccine Provide Protection?

Current data suggests that the vaccine provides protection for several years. However, as research continues, recommendations may shift towards booster doses, especially for those in high-risk categories.

Mpox and Public Perception

Since the mpox outbreak, concerns have arisen about who is eligible for the vaccine. Many people have expressed their concerns about the mpox vaccine recipients. They fear they may not fit the typical “at-risk” profile. It’s crucial to dispel myths around mpox. The virus is not exclusive to any one group, and anyone in close contact with an infected individual can catch it. Vaccination is not limited to sexually active individuals or healthcare workers. Everyone should assess their own exposure risks.

The 2024 vaccination strategy takes into account the shifting dynamics of the virus, and public health bodies are working hard to ensure that those who need it most can access the vaccine. Non-sexual individuals may not seem like an immediate priority for vaccination. However, they can still find value in getting vaccinated if certain circumstances warrant it.

Conclusion:

In 2024, the mpox vaccine continues to be a vital tool in curbing the spread of this virus. Whether you’re a doctor, healthcare worker, or simply trying to navigate your risk as a non-sexual person, it’s essential to stay informed. Doctors and healthcare workers are urged to get vaccinated, given their high exposure to potential infections. Non-sexual individuals should weigh their personal exposure risk, living situation, and professional environment to determine if vaccination is necessary.

The mpox vaccine is a critical measure to prevent outbreaks and protect the most vulnerable. As we move further into 2024, stay updated on the latest guidelines and make sure to consult your healthcare provider to make the best decision for your health.

[suara-rakyat-blog]

Plandemic Monkey Pox 20-11-2024. Hint!

[bhaskarlive]

Kerala man under observation, Mpox suspected

A 38-year-old man who arrived from the UAE last week is put under observation for suspected MPox.

The man from Edavana near here arrived from UAE last week.

After a few days, he developed rashes and also had fever. On Monday, he was admitted to the state-run Manjeri Medical College Hospital and has been isolated.

Source: bhaskarlive.in

[myhealthhospital]

Mpox Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention: Complete Guide

Discover the key facts about mpox, including its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options. Learn how to prevent mpox outbreaks and protect your health.

[rightnewshindi]

चीन के ड्रग रेगुलेटर ने MPox वैक्सीन के क्लिनिकल ट्रायल को दी मंजूरी, दवा फर्म सिनोफार्मा ने की है विकसित

चीन के ड्रग रेगुलेटर ने MPox वैक्सीन के क्लिनिकल ट्रायल को दी मंजूरी, दवा फर्म सिनोफार्मा ने की है विकसित #MPox #Vaccine #News #RightNewsIndia #RightNews

MPox Vaccine: ड्रग रेगुलेटर ने MPox वैक्सीन को क्लिनिकल ट्रायल की मंजूरी दे दी है. चाइना की स्थानीय दवा फर्म सिनोफार्मा द्वारा विकसित इस वैक्सीन को शीर्ष दवा नियामक ने क्लिनिकल ट्रायल की मंजूरी दी है. जो इस घातक बीमारी से लड़ने के लिए देश की पहली एक्सपेरिमेंटल डोज होगी. कंपनी ने सोमवार दोपहर को जारी किए बयान में कहा कि शंघाई इंस्टीट्यूट ऑफ बायोलॉजिकल प्रोडक्ट्स द्वारा निर्मित और सिनोफार्मा…

[ricisidro]

W.H.O. Declares Global Emergency Over New Mpox Outbreak

The epidemic is concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the virus has now appeared in 13 other African countries.

#Mpox #Mpox2024 #epidemic #MpoxOutbreak #MPoxVaccine

#Congo #Africa

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/14/health/mpox-who-emergency-africa.html

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Rosemary Westwood at NPR:

A group of high-level managers at the Louisiana Department of Health walked into a Nov. 14 meeting in Baton Rouge expecting to talk about outreach and community events. Instead, they were told by an assistant secretary in the department and another official that department leadership had a new policy: Advertising or otherwise promoting the COVID, influenza or mpox vaccines, an established practice there — and at most other public health entities in the U.S. — must stop. NPR has confirmed the policy was discussed at this meeting, and at two other meetings held within the department's Office of Public Health, on Oct. 3 and Nov. 21, through interviews with four employees at the Department of Health, which employs more than 6,500 people and is the state's largest agency.

According to the employees, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they fear losing their jobs or other forms of retaliation, the policy would be implemented quietly and would not be put in writing. Staffers were also told that it applies to every aspect of the health department's work: Employees could not send out press releases, give interviews, hold vaccine events, give presentations or create social media posts encouraging the public to get the vaccines. They also could not put up signs at the department's clinics that COVID, flu or mpox vaccines were available on site. The new policy in Louisiana was implemented as some politicians have promoted false information about vaccines and as President-elect Donald Trump seeks to have anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And some public health experts are concerned that if other states follow Louisiana, the U.S. could face rising levels of disease and further erosion of trust in the nation's public health infrastructure.

[...]

A blow to public health practice

Staff at Louisiana's health department fear the new policy undermines their efforts to protect the public, and violates the fundamental mission of public health: to prevent illness and disease by following the science.

[...]

Experts fear consequences of undermining trust in vaccine

Last year, 652 people in Louisiana died of COVID, including five children. Louisiana currently is tied with DC for the highest rate of flu in the U.S. In 2022 alone, flu killed 586 people in Louisiana. Every health department staff member, former staff member, public health official and vaccine expert contacted by NPR repeated the scientific consensus that vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for preventing illness, hospitalizations, and deaths.

[...]

Policy change follows new governor's election

Until becoming Louisiana governor in early 2024, Republican Jeff Landry served as the state's attorney general for eight years. During the pandemic, he criticized the state's COVID response and filed lawsuits over federal and state vaccine mandates. On Dec. 6, 2021, Attorney General Landry spoke at a state committee hearing against adding COVID to the childhood immunization schedule. At his side was Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who presented false claims about COVID vaccines. This year the Republican-controlled legislature passed five bills — all signed by Gov. Landry — and two resolutions aimed at loosening vaccine requirements, limiting the power of public health authorities and sowing doubt about vaccine safety.

Gov. Landry also appointed Dr. Ralph Abraham, a family medicine doctor, to be the state's surgeon general. That position co-leads the Department of Health, and is tasked with crafting health policy that is then carried out by the departmental co-leader, the secretary. [...] Abraham said masking, lockdowns and vaccination requirements "were practically ineffective," that COVID vaccine adverse effects have been "suppressed," that "we don't know" whether blood from people who've been vaccinated is safe for donation and that "we hope and pray" COVID vaccines don't increase the risk miscarriages.

[...]

A slippery slope to future disease outbreaks

Experts told NPR they feared a policy that undermines COVID, flu and mpox vaccinations could have a spillover effect, reducing public trust in vaccinations overall, including those given to children to prevent a host of dangerous and deadly illnesses. "I believe that we will see measles cases. I believe we will see whooping cough cases. I believe we will likely see meningitis outbreaks," said Hood. In the Nov. 14 meeting, a staff member asked whether the ban on promoting vaccines applied to children's immunizations, but the answer was noncommittal, according to an employee with knowledge of the meeting's details. "My understanding was it's not clear to what extent we might be able to promote childhood vaccinations," the staff member said. (The Louisiana Department of Health's statement to NPR said the changes in policy and messaging do not apply to childhood immunizations.) Nationally, vaccination rates for serious childhood diseases have been falling in recent years, including in Louisiana.

[...]

The rise of public health officials promoting misinformation

Louisiana isn't the only state where public health officials have recently announced controversial decisions and repeated false or discredited health theories. Florida's surgeon general has made false claims about COVID vaccines, undermined school vaccine mandates for the measles and said local officials should stop adding fluoride to water supplies.

The consequences of anti-vaxxer extremism and anti-public health sentiments being normalized by Republicans: Louisiana bans the state's Department of Health from promoting COVID, flu, or mpox vaccines.

[head-post]

Asia tackles new monkeypox strain escalation

Asian countries from China to Pakistan have stepped up surveillance of a mutated monkeypox virus that is spreading outside Central Africa, where the World Health Organisation declared a public health emergency this month.

A case in Sweden last week underlines the international threat posed by the so-called 1B strain, which has reportedly killed more than 500 people, mostly children, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Across Asia, travellers arriving from countries affected by the virus are being asked to report symptoms and hospitals are stepping up surveillance for the disease.

Unlike the smallpox-causing virus, which spread worldwide in 2022, the new strain is more dangerous, with a mortality rate of more than 3 per cent. It is also possible that infected people can transmit the virus days before symptoms appear, making it more difficult to control the disease by identifying and isolating cases.

China is asking incoming travellers from affected countries and regions, those who have been in contact with smallpox patients, and those experiencing symptoms to report to customs officials upon entering the country, where they may be required to undergo testing, the statement said.

Health authorities in India have ordered increased vigilance at international airports and ports for passengers with smallpox symptoms, and have designated hospitals and laboratories to deal with potential patients, the Economic Times reported. Indonesia and Malaysia have also taken similar measures.

While smallpox is back in the spotlight, health officials are reporting cases probably caused by the milder strain 2b. A case of infection with strain 2b was confirmed in Pakistan on 13 August. The Philippine Department of Health said it had identified the first case of smallpox in the country since December in a 33-year-old man who had not travelled recently. The strain that caused the disease is not yet known.

A 2022 UK study found that more than half of mpox cases were spread by infected people who had not yet developed symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests that people incubating the disease can transmit the smallpox virus for up to four days before symptoms appear.

Luxembourg’s health minister said last Friday that the risk of the Luxembourg population contracting smallpox is “low.”

WHO recommends special measures to control monkeypox outbreak

The World Health Organisation is recommending special measures to control the outbreak of mpox, also known as monkeypox, in five African countries – the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

According to WHO recommendations, states should strengthen national health emergency response mechanisms, improve coordination of mpox control efforts, improve laboratory diagnosis of the disease, and identify contacts of mpox-infected people with others. In addition, WHO is calling for increased border surveillance to identify those who have become ill, vaccination and better public awareness of the disease and control measures.

The African Union Health Service declared a public health emergency on the continent due to the spread of monkeypox on 13 August. The disease has been detected in 17 African countries, totalling more than 38,000 infections and more than 1,400 deaths. The epicentre of the outbreak has been the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where 92% of African cases have been reported.

Read more HERE

[dogberryrowan]

Im callin it now, mpox is gonna be handled even worse than sars because people are already twisted over public health measures and refuse to get vaccinated against anything else, why would this be different