The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a series of interim instructions, including immunization measures, in response to worldwide worries about the spread of Monkeypox. It said that mass immunization against the Monkeypox virus is not suggested as a preventive approach.
The WHO issued the preliminary recommendations on Tuesday. The UN agency also announced that an emergency meeting will be held next week to decide whether to declare the worldwide Monkeypox epidemic a public health emergency of international concern.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also stated that scientists from all across the world are working to alter the nomenclature of the Monkeypox virus. This follows a global outcry claiming that the name was racist and stigmatizing.
“We are working with partners and experts from across the world to change the nomenclature of monkeypox virus, its clades, and the disease it causes,” the Director-General stated on Tuesday. He stated that the WHO will release the new names as soon as feasible.
Pre-exposure immunization is only recommended for health professionals at high risk of exposure, laboratory staff dealing with orthopoxviruses, clinical laboratory personnel providing diagnostic tests for Monkeypox, and members of the outbreak response team, according to the interim recommendation.
However, the WHO stated that immunization against Monkeypox as a post-exposure therapy may be investigated for some populations. This includes pregnant women, children, and persons with immunological suppression, such as HIV.