There is currently no need for mass vaccination against monkeypox. This was announced on Wednesday, June 15, by Russian Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko.
“Now there is no such need. We have a new smallpox vaccine and medicines for treatment at the registration stage, ”he answered the corresponding question on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum (SPIEF).
The Minister noted that Russia has the necessary base to identify the virus in a short period of time. There is also the technological ability to quickly adapt the vaccine when needed. A day earlier, it became known that in Moscow, emergency doctors began to be tested for knowledge of the principles of diagnosing monkeypox.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also did not recommend mass vaccination. According to the head of the European Regional Office Hans Kluge, targeted vaccination of patients and healthcare workers is sufficient at this stage. At the same time, WHO plans to convene an emergency committee on June 23 to assess the danger of an outbreak of monkeypox.
On Wednesday, the first case of monkeypox was confirmed in Georgia. It became the fourth country bordering Russia where the disease has penetrated. Previously, it was recorded in Poland, Norway, Latvia and other countries.