Study Reveals Mpox Antibody Decline Post-Vaccination

A recent study published in the JAMA Network highlights the declining mpox antibody levels in individuals following vaccination with the Modified Vaccinia Ankara–Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine. The research found that antibodies created after receiving this vaccination decreased within six to twelve months.

In particular, the study focused on participants who had received two doses of the MVA-BN vaccine. These individuals exhibited mpox antibody responses at twelve months that were either comparable to or lower than the peak antibody responses observed in those who received only one dose, which provided limited protection.

Dr. Dan H. Barouch, MD, PhD, the corresponding author of the study, commented, “In this observational study, we show that mpox antibody responses decline 6-12 months following Jynneos (MVA-BN) vaccination. Our data suggest that protective immunity may be waning in individuals who were vaccinated with this vaccine in 2022.”

The implications of these findings raise concerns about the long-term efficacy of the MVA-BN vaccine in providing sustained immunity against mpox. Researchers are keen to further understand the duration of vaccine-induced immunity and evaluate potential booster dose requirements to ensure enduring protection.