Vaccines to prevent monkeypox have arrived in Finland – those who have been exposed can be vaccinated
About 1,400 doses of vaccines to prevent monkeypox have arrived in Finland. The vaccine is called Jynneos and it is used to prevent monkeypox both in the United States and in the EU.
The vaccine provides protection against diseases caused by orthopox viruses, such as smallpox and monkeypox. The virus in the vaccine has been weakened so that it will not replicate itself in human cells and consequently, cannot cause the disease in humans.
The vaccine is offered based on individual consideration
The vaccine may be offered to people who have the highest risk of contracting monkeypox. There is no need to vaccinate the general population.
“We recommend the vaccine to those who have been in close contact with people who have contracted the illness – i.e., those who may have been exposed to the disease. The final decision to vaccinate is made based on individual consideration”, says Anniina Virkku, Medical Specialist at THL.
Health care services contact those who are exposed to monkeypox and guide them to be vaccinated. Vaccination of those who have been exposed can reduce the risk of infection. The vaccine may alleviate symptoms even if a person is infected despite being vaccinated. The faster the vaccine is given after exposure, the more effective it is.
30 monkeypox infections diagnosed in Finland
So far, 30 cases of monkeypox have been diagnosed in Finland. Most of the infections originated outside of Finland. However, some of the infections occurred inside Finland, which means that the possibility of being infected in Finland is worth considering. All of those who have been infected are men.
About 53,000 monkeypox infections have been diagnosed worldwide in 2022. The greatest number of cases have been in the United States, Spain, the UK, Germany, France, and The Netherlands. Infections have occurred in 100 different countries.
The disease usually heals by itself
Monkeypox is not easily transmitted from person to person, and it is not typically transmitted in brief everyday contact. The risk of monkeypox spreading more widely among the population is low.
This year, most of the infections outside Africa have come through sexual contact. Anyone can be infected, but the World Health Organisation WHO reports that infections have been highest among men who have had sex with other men, and with new, or several partners. Condoms, when used correctly, give protection against several different sexually transmitted diseases, but they do not give adequate protection against monkeypox.
Monkeypox is typically accompanied by a skin condition with papules or blisters for which there is no other explanation. Before the skin reacts, other typical symptoms of infection may appear, such as fever or headache.
Treatment of monkeypox is symptomatic, and the disease usually goes away on its own in a few weeks. Serious forms of the disease usually occur among patients whose immune defences have been weakened by other illnesses or by medical treatment.
Further information
If you suspect that you have been infected with monkeypox, avoid physical contact with others, and contact healthcare services initially by telephone before seeking treatment. It is particularly important to avoid close contact with pregnant women and children, as well as with persons with a severe underlying disease and therefore a reduced immune system.
What is monkeypox?
Close contacts of a person with monkeypox
Anniina Virkku
Medical Specialist
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
[email protected]
Leif Lakoma
Medical Specialist
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
tel. +358 29 524 7898
[email protected]
