Global Health | Health Technology Assessment | Pandemic Preparedness and Response | Pharmacoepidemiology | Vaccines | Technology Transfer
Continued Mpox Outbreak Leads US to Re-examine Smallpox Readiness In the wake of surging mpox cases in the DRC and the emergence of novel orthopoxviruses, the US needs to rapidly bolster its smallpox readiness, preparedness, and response, according to a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The report brought together experts from across the country to critically evaluate the state of smallpox vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics, known as medical countermeasures (MCMs), in the event of an outbreak. Improving MCMs is crucial for enhancing the nation’s ability to combat a smallpox outbreak or deliberate attack, the report emphasizes. It also stresses the importance of fortifying public health and healthcare systems to swiftly and effectively respond, including mechanisms for rapid vaccine distribution.
Director, Wadsworth Center
9moJust a note: The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) of the USA has stockpiled smallpox vaccine to vaccinate every person in the United States. In a smallpox emergency, the SNS will coordinate with the preparedness office in each state and/or territory.