After more than 100 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Germany, the Standing Vaccination Commission recommends vaccination against the pathogen for certain groups of people.
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (Stiko) recommends risk groups to be vaccinated against monkeypox. This was announced by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on Thursday afternoon.
According to the information, the following groups of people should have a so-called indication vaccination – which is intended to prevent infection:
- Men who have same-sex sexual contact with changing partners. Although men who have sexual intercourse with women and women can also become infected with monkeypox, “cases in Germany have so far only occurred among men in the MSM community,” according to the RKI, and should therefore be given special protection. MSM stands for “Mother, the Ssexual intercourse with Mhave changed”.
- In addition, Stiko Personal recommends vaccination in special laboratories that work with infectious samples after consultation with the respective safety officer.
Monkeypox vaccine is limited
There are further recommendations for so-called post-exposure prophylaxis. It is intended to prevent infection if people have already been exposed to the pathogen and, according to Stiko, should take place within 14 days in the following groups of people:
- People who have had “close physical contact via non-intact skin or mucous membranes” with people with monkeypox, or have had prolonged face-to-face contact with them.
- People who have had contact with infected people, their bodily fluids or contaminated material without protective equipment.
- People who have had unprotected contact with infected samples in laboratories.
Due to the scarcity of vaccines, Stiko recommends focusing primarily on post-exposure prophylaxis. The basic immunization is carried out with two doses less than four weeks apart. Those who have already been vaccinated against smallpox only need to be vaccinated once against monkeypox. Unlike coronavirus vaccines, monkeypox vaccines have been in use for years. They are considered very effective.
Since May, 131 cases of monkeypox have been reported in Germany in a total of ten federal states. According to the RKI, those affected are not seriously ill with the potentially fatal disease. The RKI estimates the risk to the health of the general population in Germany to be low.
Sources: ,
Source: Stern
