German panel suggests Monkeypox vaccinations

Germany's independent vaccination advisory body recommends prioritising monkeypox doses for recent exposures.

The group, known by its German abbreviation STIKO, released a draft proposal on Thursday, saying that owing to limited supplies, the smallpox vaccination Imvanex should be given first to anyone exposed in the last 14 days.

Two injections should be administered at least 28 days apart to persons who have never been vaccinated against smallpox, the panel added. Monkeypox is an uncommon virus-related illness.

The panel decided high-risk monkeypox patients should get the vaccination. It's important to note that all 130 monkeypox cases in Germany have involved males with shifting male companions.

Laboratory workers who handle infected monkeypox samples may also be at high risk.

German authorities are looking to implement STIKO's non-binding suggestions.

More than 100 monkeypox cases have been reported in Europe, North America, Israel, and Australia. Africa has always had the sickness. Although the virus's expansion beyond Africa is worrisome, but the danger to the public is limited, say specialists.