Monkeypox: Stay Vigilant, Not Alarmed
In the wake of the 2022 mpox outbreak, Germany has made strides in combatting the viral disease, which causes rashes, fevers, and swollen lymph nodes. However, as of mid-2025, the vaccination coverage remains limited, with most cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals.
The preferred vaccine for mpox prevention is MVA-BN, a highly attenuated and replication-deficient vaccinia virus-based vaccine. This vaccine is recommended due to its favorable safety profile compared to older vaccines like ACAM2000. Real-world effectiveness of MVA-BN is approximately 72.1% after one dose and 87.8% after two doses in immunocompetent individuals, though effectiveness may be slightly lower in immunocompromised persons.
High-risk groups prioritized for vaccination include men who have sex with men (MSM), especially those with multiple partners, persons with immunocompromising conditions, individuals with known exposure to mpox cases, healthcare workers, and laboratory personnel with exposure risk. In Germany, vaccination campaigns and public health recommendations emphasize targeted immunization of these high-risk populations to reduce transmission and prevent outbreaks, though widespread vaccination of the general population is not currently reported as necessary.
The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for a second time in two years due to a deadlier variant of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as Clade 1b. Initially, the vaccination for mpox was not covered by health insurance in Berlin, requiring individuals to pay for it in advance at Apotheken. However, as of September 1, 2022, the vaccine is now covered and available through general practitioners.
Despite the limited coverage, continued efforts prioritize vaccinating vulnerable populations to control mpox spread effectively. The Robert Koch Institute recommends the mpox vaccine particularly for MSM and those with multiple partners. As of mid-2025, only 33 cases of mpox were reported in Berlin, and 86 cases in all of Germany, a significant drop compared to 2022 when there were 1,500 documented cases in Berlin alone. Experts do not currently see an immediate danger in Germany, but they continue to monitor mpox outbreaks closely and update vaccination recommendations accordingly.
Joe, a resident of Germany, recently received his mpox vaccination last week in early September. The public health infrastructure in Germany has combatted the mpox outbreak with an awareness campaign and targeted vaccinations. However, others in Germany who planned to get the mpox vaccine dropped the idea as it seemed to fade from public consciousness.
As the world continues to grapple with mpox, it is crucial to prioritize vaccination efforts for high-risk groups and maintain vigilance in monitoring the spread of the disease. With the right treatment and targeted vaccination strategies, it is possible to manage mpox outbreaks and prevent their dangerous spread.
- In the midst of the growing concern for the MPox outbreak, the German government is focusing on administering the MVA-BN vaccine, a highly attenuated vaccine, to at-risk groups such as healthcare workers, men who have sex with men, and immunocompromised individuals due to its favorable safety profile and effectiveness against MPox.
- Amidst the importance of maintaining health and wellness, mental health, sexual health, fitness, and exercise, it is equally crucial to prioritize medical-condition-related vaccinations like MPox, particularly for those considered high-risk, to prevent outbreaks and control the spread of deadly variants like Clade 1b.
- With its comprehensive approach towards public health and wellness, the German government has made significant strides in managing the MPox outbreak, implementing targeted immunization strategies, educating the public, and adjusting vaccination recommendations as necessary, all contributing to a significant drop in reported cases.
