The vaccine by the research and production company had been approved for the prevention of monkeypox in the US and Canada, but had only been used to treat smallpox in the European Union so far.  The European Commission on Monday granted market authorisation for Imvanex to include protection from monkeypox after the European Medicines Agency on 22 July officially recommended Imvanex to prevent monkeypox disease.

“The safety profile of the medicine is favourable, with mild to moderate side effects,” the EMA said, adding that “the medicine’s benefits are greater than the risks.”

In the EU, the number of cases has continued to grow, reaching a total of 10,604 on 19 July according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Luxembourg on 20 July had recorded 12 cases in total. On 27 June, the WHO had stated the virus did not represent a threat, a position it changed on 23 July.

The European Commission in June had already of a smallpox vaccines of which the grand duchy will receive 2,500. The EU has since bought up more stock (163,620 doses).

The Bavarian Nordic vaccine is currently only allowed for adults.

Delano has contacted the health ministry for comment.