Headline:
WHO Director-General declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency …”>Mpox Vaccination Drop in Spain Despite Rising Cases and New Variant
Article:
The recent detection of the first case of the new Mpox variant in France has once again underscored the importance of vaccination against this infection. France’s Ministry of Health has emphasized the need for complete immunization to protect both individuals and the wider population. This message is equally crucial in Spain, where Mpox vaccination rates have plummeted since the start of the campaign in 2022.
Ministry of Health data on Mpox vaccination monitoring from 2022 to 2024 reveals a downward trend since vaccinations began. In 2022, a total of 32,726 doses were administered, which dropped to 25,349 in 2023. The number of vaccinations in 2024 stood at 24,380, marking a significant decrease of 8,346 doses compared to 2022.
The decrease in vaccination rates could partly be attributed to a lower level of fear among the population, as Mpox cases peaked in 2022 with 7,522 cases nationwide. However, despite the infection being more controlled in 2023 with only 326 cases, vaccination rates continued to decline in 2024, even as Mpox cases increased.
In 2024, a total of 633 cases were reported, nearly double the number from the previous year. In mid-August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox an international public health emergency due to the emergence of a new variant (clade I) that has raised concerns among experts. Nevertheless, the number of vaccinations administered in 2024 was almost a thousand less than in 2023.
Vaccination recommendations currently target high-risk individuals, such as healthcare workers and those with higher-risk sexual practices. Reflecting this, in 2024, 22,209 vaccines were administered to men, while 1,364 were given to women. The age groups with the highest vaccination rates were 30-39 years (8,513 doses) and 40-49 years (6,026 doses).
Regional vaccination rates varied according to the number of cases. The Community of Madrid led in vaccinations, administering 8,243 doses in 2022 and reporting 207 cases (32.7% of the national total) in 2024. Andalusia followed with 5,137 doses and 108 cases (17% of the total). Catalonia administered 4,762 doses and reported 230 cases (36.6% of the total).
Since the start of the vaccination campaign in summer 2022, a total of 83,154 doses have been administered, and 8,481 Mpox cases have been reported. While Spain has not yet recorded any cases of the new variant, with 10 countries outside Africa reporting cases, the importance of vaccination for public health remains vital.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for any health-related concerns.
