The True Story: The First Mpox Vaccine Prequalified by WHO

On 13 September 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the prequalification of the MVA-BN vaccine made by Bavarian Nordic, the first mpox vaccine to receive it. This helps international agencies procure vaccine and send it to outbreak areas faster. According to WHO, the vaccine is given to people over 18 years as a 2-dose injection 4 weeks apart. Available data estimate that a single dose is about 76% effective and 2 doses about 82% effective at preventing disease.

The Key Lesson: Vaccines Are Good, but Other Layers Are Needed Too

Effectiveness below 100% and limited supply make layered prevention very important, especially for frontline organisations that meet many people:

• Clinics and health services that see people with unexplained rashes
• Foundations and aid organisations working in communities
• Rescue teams and ambulances in close contact with patients
• Border and airport officers screening travellers
• Shelters and hostels where people live closely together

How Mpox Spreads

According to the World Health Organization, mpox spreads mainly through close contact with an infected person's skin or sores, and can also spread through contaminated objects such as clothing, bedding and towels. Mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Five Layers of Prevention for Frontline Organisations

1. Layer 1, vaccines: At-risk staff consult a doctor about vaccination in line with Ministry of Public Health guidance
2. Layer 2, screening: Ask about symptoms and separate anyone with a suspicious rash or sores from waiting areas
3. Layer 3, protective equipment: Gloves, masks and gowns when in contact with patients
4. Layer 4, hand and touch-point hygiene: Hand gel at every point, and wipe counters, chairs and equipment during the day
5. Layer 5, area disinfection: Fog on a schedule and immediately after a suspected patient uses the area

How ULV Fogging Helps

The World Health Disinfection disinfection service uses ULV fogging machines that turn the disinfectant into a fine mist. It settles across the whole area, including corners, curtains, upholstery and surfaces that hand wiping cannot fully reach.

• Whole-area coverage without relying on wiping spot by spot
• Quick return to use, typically about 30 minutes after fogging
• The team wears full protective equipment, so owners and staff do not take the risk themselves
• Report and photos after the job to show customers, management or authorities
• Tax invoice with 3% withholding tax for companies and agencies
• More than 5 years of experience in hospitals, offices, hotels and public buildings

The Disinfectant We Use: Chemgene HLD4H

The team uses Chemgene HLD4H. According to WHD's product page, it meets the EN 14476 standard for virucidal activity, is used in NHS hospitals in England, and is endorsed by Mahidol University. We do not claim that Chemgene has been tested against mpox specifically. But mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate when used at the manufacturer's stated concentration and contact time.

• No harsh bleach smell
• Works on many surfaces, from desks and counters to handles and equipment
• Can be bought for daily wiping of high-touch points

10 Reasons Frontline Organisations Should Make Disinfection a Layer of Protection

1. Vaccines are highly effective but not 100%
2. Not every staff member will receive a vaccine
3. Many service users are unvaccinated
4. Disinfection also prevents diseases vaccines do not cover
5. It protects staff and volunteers
6. It gives service users confidence
7. ULV fogging reaches the whole area
8. The area can be used again about 30 minutes after fogging
9. It provides reports for management and donors
10. It comes with a tax invoice and 3% withholding

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many doses of MVA-BN are given? A: According to WHO, 2 doses 4 weeks apart for people over 18. Consult a doctor before vaccination. Q: After vaccination, is disinfection no longer needed? A: It is still needed, because vaccines do not protect 100%, and disinfection also prevents other diseases. Q: Does Chemgene HLD4H kill mpox? A: It is not claimed to be tested against mpox specifically, but it meets EN 14476 for viruses, and mpox is an enveloped virus. Q: Can non-profit organisations request a quotation? A: Yes. Call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Related Links and Sources

• World Health Disinfection disinfection service
• Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant and price
• Mpox information from Thailand's Department of Disease Control, hotline 1422
• WHO mpox fact sheet

Prevent It with a Disinfection Service and Chemgene HLD4H

The prequalification of the MVA-BN vaccine is an important step for the world, but the best prevention is several layers working together. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for clinics, foundations and shelters, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping high-touch points during the day.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268