Five Key Facts About Mpox Vaccine in Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As Mpox cases continue to rise in Indonesia, the government through the Ministry of Health has initiated a preventive vaccination program. A vaccine is a crucial component of the outbreak response strategy, thus it is essential to understand five essential facts about the Mpox vaccine being implemented in Indonesia as follows:

1. MVA-BN Vaccine

Indonesia uses the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine to combat Mpox. This vaccine, a non-replicating derivative of the third-generation smallpox vaccine, is considered safer as it does not contain live viruses that can replicate within the recipient's body. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended MVA-BN for use during the Mpox outbreak, particularly in countries experiencing rising caseloads like Indonesia.

2. Vaccination Focus on High-Risk Groups

Unlike the widespread COVID-19 vaccination program, Mpox vaccination in Indonesia is currently targeted toward specific high-risk groups. The Health Ministry prioritizes Men who have sex with Men (MSM) and individuals who have had direct contact with Mpox patients within the past two weeks.

Additionally, healthcare workers treating Mpox patients and laboratory personnel handling virology specimens in affected areas are considered high-risk and prioritized for vaccination. These groups are deemed most vulnerable to contracting and spreading the Mpox virus.

3. Vaccine Availability is Still Limited

Due to limited vaccine supplies, Mpox vaccine distribution in Indonesia is currently selective. Regions with reported Mpox cases, including Jakarta, Banten, West Java, East Java, Riau Islands, and Yogyakarta, are prioritized.

Bali, which hosts the Indonesia Africa Forum in September 2024, is also a priority due to potential participant exposure to Mpox as a risk mitigation measure during international events.

4. Vaccination as a Preventive Measure

The Mpox vaccine serves as a preventive measure, designed to either prevent the onset of symptoms or minimize the severity of the disease in individuals at high risk of infection. The Health Ministry recommends vaccination as a post-exposure prophylaxis for those who have had direct contact with Mpox patients.

However, vaccination does not guarantee complete immunity for every vaccinated individual. Therefore, adhering to other preventive measures remains crucial.

5. Children Excluded from Mpox Vaccination 

The Mpox vaccination program in Indonesia is currently limited to adults in high-risk categories, and so children are excluded, according to the Health Ministry’s guidelines in 2023.

This decision stems from the vaccine's primary focus on preventing transmission among individuals most susceptible to the virus, including Men who have sex with Men (MSM), healthcare workers, and laboratory personnel. 

By targeting high-risk individuals and emphasizing prevention, Indonesia aims to effectively control the Mpox outbreak. However, the public is encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended preventive measures.

SHARISYA KUSUMA RAHMANDA | IRSYAN HASYIM | KARUNIA PUTRI

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