Why can’t children access it, shocking truth

Mpox vaccine shortages, logistical challenges, and targeting high-risk groups make children vulnerable to Mpox outbreaks.

The ongoing Mpox outbreak in Nigeria has left many concerned, especially over the unavailability of vaccines for vulnerable groups, especially children. Nigeria currently faces significant challenges in making the Mpox vaccine available to children, according to UNICEF’s head of health. The reasons for this are not only complex, but also indicative of larger global health issues affecting vaccine distribution, prioritization and access.

Although Nigeria is one of the countries most affected by Mpox, vaccines are currently distributed to high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and those in close contact with confirmed cases, leaving children, a particularly vulnerable demographic, without immediate access to vaccines.

The health chief stressed that while the new Mpox strain poses a serious risk to children, the global vaccine shortage has made it difficult to ensure widespread immunization for this group.

The regional director of UNICEF has also emphasized that the existence of vaccines against smallpox is very limited. “The new strain of Mpox is a serious threat to vulnerable children and families. Apart from an immediate life-saving response, risk communication efforts and cross-border collaboration are needed to protect these groups.” he explained, stressing the urgent need for a better coordinated global response.

This has resulted in priority being given to high-risk adults who are most likely to be directly exposed to the virus, especially healthcare workers who are on the front lines of the fight against Mpox.

In Nigeria, there is currently no structured vaccination campaign for children against Mpox, a decision that has its roots in the global shortage of doses. UNICEF, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has been working to ensure that limited doses of Jynneos vaccine (MVA) are administered to high-risk individuals in Nigeria.

Since Mpox is spread mainly through close contact, targeting those most at risk has become the immediate focus of the public health strategy, which unfortunately excludes children from the list of vaccination priorities for now

Health authorities have been working closely with international partners to tackle the problem, but the current focus remains on the most exposed and vulnerable adults. Children, although at risk, are not yet part of immediate vaccination efforts, and this reality has left many families worried. Parents are concerned about their children’s exposure, especially in areas where the virus is spreading rapidly, and believe more needs to be done to protect the younger population.

In addition, the lack of Mpox vaccines for children has raised concerns among health professionals in Nigeria about the potential for outbreaks in schools and other child-centered settings.

Children are particularly vulnerable because they are often in close contact with each other in schools and playgrounds, increasing the likelihood that the virus will spread in these settings. Without vaccination, experts fear these areas could become hotspots for new cases.

UNICEF’s health chief has reiterated the need for increased global support to help countries like Nigeria access more vaccines. “We need more investment in overall strengthening of the health system, continuity of essential services and a specific focus on programs that support the overall well-being of children.” he emphasized.

The international community, including vaccine manufacturers, has been urged to increase production and distribution efforts. A large part of the problem lies in the fact that doses of the vaccine are being used to contain outbreaks in Europe and America, leaving African nations like Nigeria with insufficient supplies. This global imbalance in vaccine distribution is exacerbating the situation in countries where the virus continues to spread unchecked.