Sweden issues new mpox vaccine recommendations amid global health emergency

Magnus Gisslén states that current vaccine recommendations for mpox are based on earlier variants that primarily affected men who have sex with men. He emphasizes that while mpox can be transmitted sexually, it is not exclusively linked to this demographic.

The Public Health Agency of Sweden has issued new recommendations for mpox, which include guidance for specific groups traveling to areas where the virus is spreading. Gisslén clarifies that mass vaccination is not planned at this time.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the spread of mpox in Africa as a health emergency. Sweden has confirmed a case of clade 1, which is believed to be more contagious and deadly than clade 2, the variant that emerged in 2022.

With concerns about the potential for mpox to escalate into a new pandemic, experts highlight the lack of knowledge about viruses that could lead to widespread outbreaks.