A CDC vaccine advisory group recommended the two-dose mpox vaccine for people 18 and older who are at higher risk, according to an Oct. 25 report from the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.
The recommendation helps move the vaccine along the path into the commercial market, the report said.
The group at risk for mpox includes gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and transgender or nonbinary people who in the past six months meet one or more of four criteria: a new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted diseases; more than one sex partner; sex at a commercial sex venue; or sex linked to a large public event in a geographic region where mpox transmission is occurring. The recommendation also covers sexual partners of the risk group and those who anticipate experiencing any situation that would raise their risk.
The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices also unanimously approved adding mpox vaccine to the Vaccines for Children program, and a trial is underway to determine the effectiveness and safety in children ages 12 to 17.
The recommendation moves to the CDC director for final approval.