Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Mpox (Monkeypox) and When
Mpox Vaccination: Who Needs It and When?
Timisoara, Romania – As concerns about the mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, continue, health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination for those at risk.
The mpox virus, a member of the poxvirus family, spreads through contact with infected individuals’ bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated objects.
“The first cases in the European Union were reported in large numbers in 2022,” explains Dr. Teodora Moisil, a primary care physician specializing in infectious diseases at Victor Babes Hospital in Timisoara.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Mpox presents with a range of symptoms, including:
Skin rash: Itchy eruptions and lesions can appear anywhere on the body.
Fever: A high temperature often accompanies the rash.
Sore throat: Painful swallowing is a common symptom.
Muscle aches and back pain: General body aches can occur.
Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes are characteristic of mpox.
It’s crucial to note that in certain specific cases,the rash may appear before other symptoms. The incubation period for mpox is typically 6 to 13 days but can extend up to 21 days.
Vaccination: A Key Preventive Measure
The World Health Organization has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern. In Romania,vaccination is recommended as a preventive measure for specific groups:
Close contacts of confirmed cases: Individuals who have had physical contact with an infected person,including sexual contact or close household contact,within the past 4 to 14 days.
Healthcare workers: Medical personnel who have been exposed to an infected individual without adequate personal protective equipment.
Vaccination should be administered as soon as possible after exposure,ideally within 4 days,to maximize its effectiveness.
Vaccination Schedule
Complete vaccination against mpox requires two doses of the vaccine, spaced 28 days apart.
Individuals who were previously vaccinated against smallpox (those born before 1980) may onyl need one dose of the mpox vaccine.
Important Considerations
The mpox vaccine is not currently authorized for use in pregnant women, children, or adolescents.
For more information about mpox vaccination and eligibility, consult your healthcare provider or visit the website of the Victor Babes Hospital in Timisoara.
Source: Victor Babes Hospital Timisoara*
Battling Mpox: Vaccine Protection and Who Needs It
Timisoara,Romania – With global concerns about the resurgence of the mpox virus,vaccination is crucial for protecting vulnerable individuals. Dr. Teodora Moisil, a primary care physician specializing in infectious diseases at Victor Babes Hospital in Timisoara, sheds light on who needs the mpox vaccine and when.
Understanding Mpox
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by a member of the poxvirus family. Transmission occurs through contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated objects from an infected person.
“The first cases in the European Union where reported in large numbers in 2022,” explains Dr. Moisil.
Recognizing the Signs
Mpox symptoms can include:
Skin rash: Itchy eruptions and lesions appearing anywhere on the body.
Fever: Often a high temperature accompanies the rash.
Sore Throat: Painful swallowing is common.
Muscle aches and back pain: General body aches can occur.
swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes are characteristic of mpox.
The rash may appear before other symptoms. The incubation period is typically 6 to 13 days but can extend to 21 days.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The World Health Association has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern. In Romania, vaccination is recommended for:
Close contacts of confirmed cases: Individuals with physical contact (sexual or household) within the past 4-14 days.
* Healthcare workers: Medical personnel exposed to infected individuals without adequate PPE.
Vaccination Timing and Schedule
Vaccination should occur as soon as possible after exposure, ideally within 4 days. This approach maximizes effectiveness.
Full protection requires two doses, spaced 28 days apart.
Individuals previously vaccinated against smallpox (born before 1980) may only need one dose.
Critically important Notes
The mpox vaccine is currently unavailable for pregnant women, children, or adolescents.
Always consult yoru healthcare provider or visit the Victor Babes Hospital website for the latest information on mpox vaccination and eligibility.