Walensky said more research on the efficacy after two injections is underway.
CDC has not yet distinguished the efficacy data of the injection method, which will further clarify any potential differences between the fresh method (injection of small doses under the skin) and the original method (injection deeper).
It is not clear how much role behavior changes may play in vaccine effectiveness data.
If vaccinated people are reducing their chances of sexual partners or skin contact, this can also reduce their monkeypox infection rate.
Walensky promises more data is coming, but the CDC is working to provide all data in real time as soon as possible after the data is available – a lesson learned from COVID-19. "The CDC will continue to evaluate how these vaccines work in the current outbreak through a series of vaccine effectiveness programs that will help us understand the level of protection provided and how long the protection lasts. Once we have this data, we will continue to provide you with that data." The CDC is also expanding its monkeypox vaccine qualification to include more high-risk Americans — although the JYNNEOS vaccine is still not recommended for the general population.
This expansion now includes homosexual or bisexual men who have had a partner in the past six months or who have been diagnosed with one or more sexually transmitted diseases within the past six months. It also includes sex workers.
Although many states and jurisdictions have expanded their eligibility, the CDC’s latest move makes it more in line with local guidance.
