One Dose of Smallpox Vaccine Still Gives Good Protection for Mpox
Recent Study Shows One Dose Sufficient to Protect Against Severe Disease
A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine provides some good news about the smallpox vaccine's effectiveness against mpox. Researchers found that a single dose of the vaccine is sufficient to provide good protection against severe disease. The study involved over 3,000 people who had been exposed to mpox. Those who had received a single dose of the smallpox vaccine were significantly less likely to develop severe disease than those who had not been vaccinated.
How the Smallpox Vaccine Works
Smallpox and mpox are caused by viruses that are closely related. The smallpox vaccine is effective against mpox because it helps the body to develop immunity to both viruses. The vaccine is made from a weakened form of the smallpox virus. When the vaccine is injected, it stimulates the body's immune system to produce antibodies that can fight off the smallpox virus. These antibodies can also help to protect against mpox, which is why a single dose of the smallpox vaccine can provide good protection against severe mpox disease.
Importance of Vaccination
Mpox has been spreading rapidly in many parts of the world, and it is important to take steps to protect yourself from the virus. Vaccination is the best way to prevent mpox, and a single dose of the smallpox vaccine is sufficient to provide good protection. If you have not yet been vaccinated against smallpox, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
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