On September 4, 2024, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced that Singapore will offer the mpox vaccine to healthcare workers at the highest risk of exposure and close contacts of confirmed cases. The vaccine, JYNNEOS, which offers protection against both mpox and smallpox, will be administered free of charge to these high-risk groups.
Targeted Vaccination for Healthcare Workers
The vaccine will provide additional protection for healthcare professionals, particularly those at high risk of exposure, such as staff at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. This initiative complements existing infection control protocols and the use of personal protective equipment. The decision comes in response to the WHO’s declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency amid rising concern about the clade 1 strain.
Vaccination for Close Contacts
Individuals identified as close contacts of confirmed mpox cases will be offered a single dose of the vaccine within 14 days of exposure as recommended by the Expert Committee on Immunisation, to help prevent further transmission. In line with the incubation period observed in Africa, the quarantine duration has been set at 21 days.
Voluntary Vaccination and Policy Insights
The vaccination is available on a voluntary basis, allowing healthcare workers and close contacts to choose whether to participate. Professor Kenneth Mak, Singapore’s Director-General of Health, highlighted that no infections among healthcare workers have been reported since 2019, thanks to stringent protective measures.
Addressing Risks and Ensuring Preparedness
Despite the lower transmission rate of the clade 1 virus compared to other respiratory viruses, there is a focus on protecting vulnerable groups, including the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. High mortality rates observed in certain regions emphasize the need for effective preventive strategies without imposing disruptive measures similar to those during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Current Vaccination Strategy and Future Plans
At present, a population-wide vaccination for mpox is not recommended, as clade 1 is less transmissible compared to viruses like influenza or COVID-19. The historical smallpox vaccination, which was mandatory in Singapore until 1981, provides some level of cross-protection against mpox among a “significant” segment of the population, or those who are age 45 years and above. Similar to other international health authorities, the MOH has not recommended vaccination for travelers to affected areas at this time. Singapore’s supply of JYNNEOS is sufficient for the current strategy, but Prof Mak emphasized that the MOH is looking at procuring additional doses when available to enhance the country’s preparedness and resilience.
Conclusion
Singapore’s targeted vaccination approach aims to address mpox risks effectively while remaining adaptable to new developments. By focusing on healthcare workers and close contacts, the country strives to control the spread of the virus and safeguard public health without resorting to widespread disruptions.
COVID-19: Coronavirus disease 19; JYNNEOS: Smallpox and monkeypox vaccine; MOH: Ministry of Health; WHO: World Health Organization
Adapted from: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/mpox-vaccine-healthcare-workers-close-contacts-no-mask-wearing-4573951
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