Modified vaccinia ankara – bavarian nordic live virus at a glance
Class
Replication-defective modified vaccinia Ankara vaccine
Licensed uses
Active immunisation against smallpox, mpox and vaccinia-virus disease in adults
Administration
Given by a trained healthcare professional, usually in the upper arm
Infection risk
The vaccine virus cannot replicate effectively in humans and cannot cause smallpox or mpox
What is Modified vaccinia ankara – bavarian nordic live virus used for?
Licensed in adults for:
Active immunisation against smallpox
Active immunisation against mpox
Active immunisation against disease caused by vaccinia virus
UK recommendations also support non-licensed use in eligible children and young people when exposure risk warrants vaccination
How does Modified vaccinia ankara – bavarian nordic live virus work?
The weakened, replication-defective vaccinia virus exposes the immune system to orthopoxvirus antigens. This prompts antibodies and immune memory that can recognise smallpox, mpox and vaccinia viruses without causing those infections.
How to take Modified vaccinia ankara – bavarian nordic live virus
A doctor or nurse gives the vaccine by injection. The licensed route is under the skin, preferably in the upper arm; official UK programmes may use other injection routes under an appropriate protocol. Food does not affect administration.
Tell the vaccinator about severe allergies, atopic dermatitis, immune-system problems, pregnancy, breastfeeding and previous fainting with needles.
Vaccination may be postponed during a severe fever or acute infection; a minor illness alone does not usually require postponement.
Remain at the vaccination site as instructed so any early reaction can be recognised.
Modified vaccinia ankara – bavarian nordic live virus side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain, redness, swelling, hardness or itching at the injection site
- Headache
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Tiredness
- Feeling sick
- Fever or chills
- Reduced appetite
- A temporary lump, warmth, bruising or discolouration at the injection site
Get urgent medical advice
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, marked dizziness or swelling of the face, tongue or neck may indicate anaphylaxis and requires emergency help
- Seek prompt clinical advice for a severe, spreading or persistent rash, significant worsening of atopic dermatitis, chest pain or other concerning symptoms
Modified vaccinia ankara – bavarian nordic live virus in pregnancy
Product information advises avoiding routine use during pregnancy because human data are limited, unless expected benefit outweighs potential risk. UK guidance allows vaccination when recommended after an individual risk–benefit discussion.
Modified vaccinia ankara – bavarian nordic live virus while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether vaccine components enter human milk. Product information recommends a risk–benefit assessment, while UK guidance supports offering vaccination after significant exposure or when otherwise recommended.
Modified vaccinia ankara – bavarian nordic live virus interactions
Formal interaction studies are limited. Tell the vaccinator about recent vaccines, medicines and immune treatments.
Other vaccines
Product information advises avoiding concomitant administration because it has not been studied, whereas current UK programme guidance permits co-administration when appropriate. Clinicians should follow the applicable official protocol.
Immunoglobulins, including vaccinia immune globulin
Concurrent administration has not been studied and should be avoided according to product information.
Immunosuppressive treatments
Common questions about Modified vaccinia ankara – bavarian nordic live virus
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it cause mpox?
No. It does not contain mpox virus, and the modified vaccinia virus cannot replicate effectively in humans or cause mpox.
Who is offered it for mpox prevention?
UK services offer it to people assessed as having a higher exposure risk, including eligible people attending sexual health services, certain occupational groups and some close contacts.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.