In a recent development, an independent panel of experts advising the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has unanimously voted to recommend the routine use of the Jynneos vaccine for individuals at high risk of contracting mpox, even after the recent public health emergency has passed. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) emphasized the importance of vaccinating certain individuals aged 18 and older as part of their sexual health care.

Previously, the CDC had recommended vaccination for high-risk individuals during the mpox outbreak that occurred in 2022-2023. The outbreak resulted in over 31,000 cases of mpox in the United States, including 55 deaths, according to data from the CDC. The majority of those affected were gay men.

According to the CDC, individuals at high risk for mpox infection include gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender and non-binary individuals. Eligibility also extends to those who have had a new diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease in the past six months, multiple sexual partners, engage in sexual activity at commercial sex venues or large public events in areas where mpox is spreading, have sexual partners with any of these risks, or plan to partake in any of the aforementioned activities.

The new recommendations highlight that more than 2 million people in the United States qualify for vaccination against mpox. However, to date, only approximately 23% of this high-risk group has received the recommended two doses of the Jynneos vaccine.

Bavarian Nordic, the manufacturer of the Jynneos vaccine, has announced preparations for a commercial launch in the United States in the first half of 2024. This move aims to increase accessibility to the vaccine, further mitigating the risk of mpox transmission among high-