Summary of National Advisory Committee on Immunization Rapid Response of June 10, 2022

This publication was published before November 28, 2022. Since then, the World Health Organization began using ‘mpox’ as the preferred term for monkeypox disease.

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Organization: Public Health Agency of Canada

Published: 2022-06-10

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Overview

For the full statement, including supporting evidence and rationale, please see NACI Rapid Response: Interim guidance on the use of Imvamune in the context of monkeypox outbreaks in Canada.

What you need to know

For the full statement, including supporting evidence and rationale, please see NACI Rapid Response: Interim guidance on the use of Imvamune in the context of monkeypox outbreaks in Canada.

Quotes

"In response to outbreaks of monkeypox in Canada, NACI reviewed available evidence for the Imvamune smallpox vaccine which was authorised in Canada in 2020 for prevention of monkeypox. The Imvamune vaccine is expected to be an important part of the outbreak response in some settings, but is not needed for the entire population. At this time, NACI has focussed on assessment of post-exposure prophylaxis to protect adults who were recently exposed to monkeypox in contexts where transmission could be likely. This live vaccine is not expected to replicate, and it may be considered for those who are immunocompromised or pregnant and who have been exposed in a context where transmission could be likely. There will also be circumstances where the vaccine may be considered for off-label use in children, knowing that historically monkeypox can cause severe disease in children. We expect to learn more about the disease in coming weeks and months, including more information about the most effective ways to use vaccine as part of an outbreak response strategy."

- Dr. Shelley Deeks, NACI Chair

"Canada is currently experiencing outbreaks of monkeypox. Canada is fortunate to have access to Imvamune, a Health Canada authorized vaccine that may provide some protection against monkeypox. NACI's guidance on the use of Imvamune provides a foundation for provinces and territories to determine how best to use the vaccine to have the greatest public health impact in their communities. Local jurisdictions are well placed to understand where and how transmission of monkeypox is taking place in their communities and PHAC supports provinces and territories in their efforts to use the vaccine as part of focussed strategies to prevent the spread of Monkeypox in their jurisdictions. There are still many unknowns about the monkeypox outbreaks and we will continue to learn more and refine our approaches as the situation evolves. I thank NACI for continuing to provide timely, expert advice to help protect the health of Canadians."

- Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer

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