EMA approves new vaccine method to stretch monkeypox vaccine

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved a new method for monkeypox vaccination that can immunize five times more people than before with the same amount of vaccine. The Imvanex vaccine can now only be given under the top layer of the skin (intradermally) instead of completely under the skin (subcutaneously) as previously required, according to an EMA statement released on Friday. 

With the new method, only a fifth of the amount of vaccine previously used for the injection is required, it said. 

As a temporary measure, authorities could “use Imvanex as an intradermal injection at a lower dose (…) to protect at-risk individuals during the current monkeypox outbreak while the amount of vaccine available is still limited,” EMA said.

EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides described the decision as “extremely important”. “This ensures better access to vaccination for vulnerable citizens and healthcare workers,” she explained.