In a significant public health development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the use of Bavarian Nordic's mpox vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17. This decision, announced on October 14, 2024, targets an age group particularly vulnerable to mpox, a viral disease that has raised global concern due to its rapid spread and severe symptoms, including flu-like conditions and pus-filled skin lesions.

The approval follows the European Union's earlier endorsement in September, marking a coordinated international effort to enhance vaccine accessibility, especially in regions like Africa where the disease has been spreading from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The WHO's decision is part of a broader strategy to manage the mpox outbreak, which was declared a global public health emergency in August.

Bavarian Nordic's vaccine, known as Jynneos in the United States, has been pivotal in the fight against mpox. The WHO's approval allows for its use in adolescents, expanding the demographic that can be protected against the disease. This move is expected to facilitate greater access to vaccines in low-income countries, supported by international donations from countries including the United States, Japan, and several European nations.

The WHO has faced criticism for the pace of its vaccine approval process, but this recent decision underscores its commitment to addressing the mpox crisis. The organization has also set up a scheme to distribute vaccines, tests, and treatments to the world's poorest countries, drawing parallels to the global response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This approval is a crucial step in controlling the spread of mpox, particularly among children and those with compromised immune systems, who are at higher risk. The WHO continues to urge more countries to contribute to the global vaccination effort, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in public health emergencies.