Vaccine News

Various reports suggest that Africa's mpox Clade 1 outbreak has recently intensified. As of mid-March, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Eurosurveillance, and the World Health Organization released updated mpox outbreak figures for 2024.

These reports revealed 14,626 suspected cases for the last year, with 654 fatalities. This equates to a case-fatality rate (CFR) of 4.5%.

Separately, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America estimated the CFR to be approximately 7.4% in the DRC.

Despite this concerning situation, limited genomic information is available on the circulating mpox viruses, which suggests that they belong to Clade I. 

This finding demonstrates that mpox transmission through sexual contact may extend beyond clade IIb, says the CDC.

During a digital briefing on March 14, 2024, Agam Rao, MD CAPT, U.S. Public Health Service, reconfirmed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended on October 25, 2023, vaccination with the 2-dose JYNNEOS® (MVA-BN®, IMVAMUNE®) vaccine series for persons aged 18 years and older at risk for mpox.

Since the Clade 2 outbreak began in May 2022, the overall vaccine coverage in the U.S. for one dose is 40%, and for two doses, it is 25%.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration initially approved JYNNEOS for smallpox in 2019. JYNNEOS remains available in the U.S. at specific clinics and community pharmacies.

The United States government recently issued a strong warning regarding the ongoing measles outbreaks in 46 countries.

And the federal government is supporting Chicago's efforts to curb the spread of the highly infectious measles virus.

To clarify its vaccination recommendations, on March 13, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its Level 1 Travel Health Advisory to ensure that all international travelers are fully protected against this vaccine-preventable disease.

Vaccination with a measles-containing vaccine is the best way to make sure that you are protected. Even young infants should receive one dose of the MMR vaccine, says the CDC.

If you are unsure if you or your travel companions are fully protected against measles, schedule an appointment to see your clinician or pharmacist at least six weeks before traveling so that you have enough time to get vaccinated.

However, some people should not get a measles-containing vaccine or should wait. If you don't think you can safely receive one, talk to your clinician and consider making alternative travel plans.

Individuals must take the necessary steps to safeguard their health and the health of others by following these guidelines, says the CDC.

As of March 16, 2024, measles vaccines are offered at community pharmacies in the U.S.

The Walgreens Flu Index© offers the latest information on flu activity specific to individual cities in the U.S.

This information is compiled using retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across all Walgreens locations. It offers insight into which populations are experiencing the highest incidence of the flu.

As of March 9, 2024, the Index listed these cities:

1. Ft. Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Ark.
2. Oklahoma City, Okla.
3. El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)
4. Little Rock-Pine Bluff, Ark.
5. Omaha, Neb.
6. Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Neb.
7. Joplin, Mo.-Pittsburg, Kan.
8. Lansing, Mich.
9. Bluefield-Beckley-Oak Hill, W.Va.
10. Tulsa, Okla.

 It's important to note that the Flu Index is not intended to show the severity or intensity of flu activity.

From a severity perspective, the U.S. CDC reported on March 15, 2024, that thirteen influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurring during the 2023-2024 season were reported last week throughout the United States, bringing the season total to 116 pediatric deaths.

The CDC encourages everyone to discuss flu vaccines or treatments with a healthcare provider.

SIGA Technologies, Inc. today reported financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

"In 2023, SIGA had approximately $131 million in product revenues and approximately $84 million of pre-tax operating income," stated Diem Nguyen, Chief Executive Officer, in a press release on March 12, 2024.

"These financial results represent a significant increase over the 2022 financial results; product revenues increased 51% over the corresponding 2022 amount."

In 2023, SIGA had product sales of approximately $98 million in the fourth quarter of oral TPOXX® (tecovirimat, ST-246®), a novel small-molecule drug, to the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile ("SNS"); approximately $11 million of product sales of oral TPOXX to the U.S. Department of Defense, of which roughly $6 million was recognized in the fourth quarter; and approximately $21 million of international sales, of which approximately $12 million was recognized in the fourth quarter.

In the first two months of 2024, the Company delivered an additional approximately $15 million of oral TPOXX to the SNS, substantially completing the oral TPOXX order received in July 2023.

It also delivered an additional approximately $7 million of oral TPOXX to European countries and Canada.

Highlighting the continuing diversification of the Company's revenue base, the Company has received procurement orders for oral TPOXX from over 25 countries over the past two years.

As an example of the diversification trend, in October 2023, the Company reported the creation by the European Commission's DG HERA (Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority) of a joint procurement framework contract under which participating countries from the European Union and the European Free Trade Association can efficiently order oral TPOXX.

Under this mechanism, 13 countries ordered $18 million of oral TPOXX in the fourth quarter, and revenues were recorded for deliveries on substantially all of these orders in the fourth quarter or the first two months of 2024.

On March 12, 2024, SIGA's Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $0.60 per share, an increase of $0.15 per share from last year's special cash dividend.

In 2023, the Company paid a special cash dividend of $0.45 per share and repurchased approximately 1.7 million shares of its common stock. 

The first human case of Mpox was identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1970.  The World Health Organization Mpox External Situation Report #31 confirmed on December 22, 2023, that it has received mpox case reports from 115 affected countries since May 2022. 

IN 2024, mpox outbreaks have been confirmed in various countries, including the United States and the DRC.

The U.S. CDC issued a Level 2 travel advisory health advisory in February 2024, alerting international travelers regarding mpox outbreaks in African countries. 

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently reported that 900 shelter residents have been successfully vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

As of March 11, 2024, these newly vaccinated shelter residents are required to stay at the shelter for 21 days until their immunity from the vaccination reaches full effectiveness.

Chicago intends to continue transferring immune residents and those who need to quarantine in designated hotel spaces in the city.

As of March 13, 2024, reports indicate ten people in Chicago have been diagnosed with measles.

Over 45 measles cases in seventeen jurisdictions have been reported nationwide in 2024.

CDPH is treating this response as a citywide measles outbreak and is calling on all eligible unvaccinated residents to get vaccinated now. MMR vaccines are available at most doctor’s offices and community pharmacies in Chicago.

As long as measles circulates in Chicago, we will continue to proactively protect as many people as possible from this highly infectious disease,” said CDPH Commissioner Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige, MD, MPH, in a press release.

Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify digital portal.

During March 2024, many college students will enjoy the warm and friendly South Florida beaches.

However, various diseases also impact those Florida communities.

For week #10, Florida Health's Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance reported new dengue and malaria cases.

In 2024, 59 travel-associated dengue cases were reported, mainly by visitors from Cuba.

And four cases of locally acquired dengue have been reported from two counties this year. In 2023, positive samples from 186 humans were reported from five counties.

Also, in 2024, twelve cases of malaria have been reported in individuals with a travel history to a malaria-endemic area, such as Africa. 

In 2023, seven locally acquired malaria cases were reported in the Sarasota area. 

On the bright side, the agency also communicated that the recent measles outbreak in Broward County has been contained.

No additional measles cases have occurred at Manatee Bay Elementary since Friday, February 16, 2024; thus, the 21-day infection period has ended.

However, due to the contagiousness of measles and the rate of international travel, there is a possibility for more sporadic cases throughout Florida and the United States.

"It's important that public health leaders consider all available data and make decisions that promote health while respecting the rights of individuals," said Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo in a press release on March 8, 2024. 

The State Surgeon General communicated that unprotected people should speak with their healthcare provider about receiving approved vaccines.

As of March 12, 2024, the state of Florida, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Canada, and the United Kingdom have not issued any vaccination requirements for visitors to Florida.

Dengue virus is a severe ongoing concern for many areas of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

If you plan to visit any high-risk areas during Spring Break 2024, don't let dengue fever ruin your trip.

The high-risk destination list includes Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico (Cancun), Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Turks and Caicos Islands.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on February 28, 2024, travelers should protect themselves by taking precautions against mosquito bites. Take the necessary measures to safeguard yourself and enjoy a worry-free trip.

However, be aware the disease can take up to two weeks to develop, and the illness generally lasts less than a week.

Additionally, the CDC says don't disrupt your vacation with this vaccine-preventable illness.

As of March 12, 2024, various government agencies have approved dengue vaccines, and several vaccine candidates are conducting late-stage studies.

In the U.S., Dengvaxia® is approved by the U.S. FDA. On June 30, 2023, the FDA issued a Supplemental Approval letter.

Other countries offer QDENGA®, a WHO-recommended dengue vaccine.