Mpox vaccines attenuate disease—but evidence and equity gaps remain

Mpox, an infection closely related to smallpox, has traditionally been associated with zoonotic outbreaks and limited human-to-human transmission in west and central Africa.1 In 2022, a global pandemic of mpox occurred with more than 100 000 confirmed cases reported across every inhabited continent. Transmission was predominantly associated with close physical and sexual contact, disproportionately affecting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).2 Initial responses focused on isolation of cases and behavioural guidance for populations at risk. Biomedical interventions quickly followed, particularly targeted vaccination of individuals at high risk, such as health-care workers and GBMSM.