WHO approves first vaccine for monkeypox

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved the first vaccine for monkeypox.

The report of a news agency says that the vaccine, MVA-BN, will be administered in two doses, four weeks apart, to individuals aged 18 years or older.

It further says that the vaccine is 76 percent effective after the first dose and 82 percent effective after the second dose against the virus.

Also Read: India reports Asia's first possible monkeypox death

It merits a mention here that the WHO has already declared monkeypox a public health emergency. The disease has spread to 121 countries, with 500 fatalities reported this year.

The mortality rate of monkeypox can reach up to 10 percent in high-risk groups and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Five cases of monkeypox have been reported in Pakistan so far. The virus has been found in individuals who traveled to Pakistan from other countries.