The global mpox outbreak of 2022 was marked by increased transmission during sexual contact, primarily among men who have sex with men. This epidemiological shift highlighted the need to reassess vaccination and prevention strategies.

Using a non-human primate infection model reproducing sexual transmission of the virus, IDMIT and IRBA (French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute) teams compared the efficacy of the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine when administered as prophylaxis either before or after infection with the monkeypox virus. The MVA vaccine was developed in the 1970s to protect against smallpox but had never been tested under real-world conditions in humans.

Their findings show that when administered prior to exposure to the monkeypox virus, the MVA vaccine protects the animals. In contrast, post-exposure vaccination does not prevent viral replication or the onset of disease. These results call for a reconsideration of prevention and control strategies for this disease.

​ @ I. Mangeot / CEA

​Congratulations to Roger Le Grand, Cécile Hérate, Jean-Nicolas Tournier, and their collaborators in IDMIT Department and at IRBA on the recognition of their ​work by Inserm.

For more information 

François Jacob Institute of biology - The MVA vaccine provides effective protection against Monkeypox as a preventive measure but fails post exposure

Contact: Cécile Hérate