A total of 2200 doses of MVA-BN vaccine for the prevention of M pox have arrived in our country on Thursday.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Zulkifli Ahmad wrote on Facebook this morning (21st) that these vaccines are the result of the 'ASEAN Covid-19 Response Fund' initiative he announced last year.
He stated that this batch of vaccines could benefit 1100 individuals at risk of M pox infection, including medical personnel and close contacts.
“The administration of MVA-BN vaccines will be conducted based on the assessment and evaluation by medical experts and will not be used for general vaccination purposes.”
“The focus of the vaccination program is to protect those at risk of infection, especially medical personnel.”
Zulkifli had mentioned last year that the M pox vaccines would be received and distributed immediately through the 'ASEAN Covid-19 Response Fund'.
Among them, TPOXX is used to treat M pox, especially for those with acute illnesses and weakened immune systems.
As for the VA-BN vaccine, it is targeted only at high-risk groups, including medical personnel and close contacts of confirmed cases.