The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced that the tentative start date for the Mpox vaccination campaign is October 8, 2024.

Remi Adeleke, Head of the Public Relations Unit at the NPHCDA, who exclusively disclosed this on Fridayindicated that vaccine deployment will begin between October 3 and 6, 2024.

“The date for vaccine deployment based on the current chronogram is from October 3 to 6, 2024, timed to align with the three to six weeks period from vaccine receipt on August 27 for NAFDAC to conclude the regulatory procedures of sampling, traceability, and lab analysis,” Adeleke said.

He noted that due to the limited availability of doses, only 9,980 doses of the Jynneos Mpox vaccine will be deployed, with 1,996 doses allocated to each of the five states identified for implementation.

The selection of these states is currently under evaluation, based on the trend of Mpox cases in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

“The total population targeted in these five states is 4,750 persons, who will receive two doses each, 28 days apart,” Adeleke clarified, adding that the target population includes close contacts of Mpox cases, health workers, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Adeleke elaborated on the vaccination strategy, explaining that “Two sites per state are to be identified for vaccination. Fixed posts at sites within identified infectious diseases referral centres, and special teams to target communities where necessary for close contacts or identified risk groups.”

New Telegraph had earlier reported that the United States recently donated 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine to Nigeria, which is approved by the FDA for preventing smallpox and Mpox in adults aged 18 years and older who are at risk of Mpox infection.

Mpox, a rare viral zoonotic disease, has been declared a public health emergency of continental security by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of the latest data from the NCDC, Nigeria has recorded 48 confirmed Mpox cases out of 868 suspected cases across 35 local government areas in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory. (Saturday Telegraph)