No plans for mass Mpox vaccinations

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has clarified that not everyone in Jamaica will need to take the Mpox vaccine, should it reach local shores. This despite the recent declaration of the virus as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO).

At a press briefing on Thursday, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton emphasised that there are currently no reported cases of Mpox in Jamaica, but urged the public to remain vigilant.

"There is no need for alarm at this time," Tufton stated. "Jamaica has been proactive, and we do have vaccine stocks available. However, it's important to note that the vaccine is not for everyone. It will be administered primarily to individuals who are close contacts of confirmed Mpox cases."

Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie added, "This is not a situation where mass vaccination is advised". In 2021 during the pandemic, the government set a target of vaccinating 65 per cent of the population. However, as it relates to Mpox, Bisasor McKenzie said, "With the limited supplies, we must ensure that the vaccines are used where they are most needed".

Bisasor McKenzie also highlighted the emergence of new variants of the Mpox virus, known as clades, with the most recent one identified in 2023.

"Because we have the possibility of three different clades circulating, and particularly since little is known about the new clade, it's important for everyone to remain cautious," she said. "The virus has been spreading among different age groups, including children, which raises concerns, especially with schools reopening soon."

Tufton underscored the government's approach to handling any potential outbreaks.

"Once a case is identified, we will engage in contact tracing to determine who might have been exposed, and then offer the vaccine to those individuals," he said. "This isn't a situation where people should rush to get vaccinated; that's not the protocol."

"We are prepared to collaborate with the WHO and potentially offer some of our vaccine stocks to other countries that are more severely affected," Tufton added. "But it's reassuring that we have the resources available, if necessary."

While mass vaccination isn't on the table, the ministry urged the public to take general precautions. Bisasor McKenzie did not specifically recommend mask-wearing, but emphasised the importance of hygiene and early reporting of symptoms to help prevent the spread of the virus.

"Isolation of affected individuals and following public health guidelines will be key in managing any potential cases," she said.