The Mpox pandemic, which was officially declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 14, 2024, continues to see an increase in cases. According to the latest epidemiological data released in Epidemiological Week 33 of 2024, Indonesia has reported 88 confirmed cases of Mpox since 2022.
To prevent further transmission and increase cases, the Indonesian government has initiated a vaccination program as part of its disease control efforts.
Target Groups for Mpox Vaccination
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that Mpox vaccine be selectively targeted to high-risk groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and people with multiple sex partners. This recommendation is based on a risk analysis that indicates higher transmission rates in these groups.
As part of more targeted prevention efforts, Mpox vaccination is also offered to individuals who have been exposed to the virus, such as those who have had contact with Mpox patients but have not yet shown symptoms (post-exposure vaccination). Although not all exposed individuals will become infected, vaccination provides additional protection.
Vaccination is also being extended to healthcare and laboratory workers as a preventive measure to limit the spread of the disease. However, children are not targeted for Mpox vaccination in Indonesia, despite their susceptibility to various infectious diseases.
Mpox Vaccination Guidelines: Not for Mass Vaccination
The Department of Health and Human Services has emphasized that the Mpox vaccine is intended for preventive use only and is not recommended for mass vaccination. Currently, Mpox vaccination is considered a supplemental measure in the context of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
According to the 2023 Mpox Prevention and Control Guidelines, the vaccine complements primary strategies such as surveillance, contact tracing, isolation and patient care.
The Mpox vaccine is administered as post-exposure prophylaxis to individuals who have had direct contact with Mpox patients, helping to reduce symptoms or lessen the severity of disease in high-risk groups. Although the vaccine is beneficial, it does not provide complete protection, so additional preventive measures are still needed.
Priority Areas
Indonesia uses the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) Mpox vaccine, a third generation non-replicating vaccine derived from smallpox that does not contain live virus, making it safer. This vaccine is recommended by the WHO for use during an Mpox outbreak and will be distributed selectively in Indonesia due to limited availability.
Priority will be given to areas with reported cases of Mpox, such as Jakarta, Banten, West Java, East Java, the Riau Islands and Yogyakarta. Bali will also be prioritized as it will host the Indonesia-Africa Forum from September 1-3, 2024, with participants from Mpox-affected countries.
