People who got smallpox vaccine in the past may have some defense against new pox virus, study suggests

Study finds historical smallpox vaccination may offer protection against mpox virus, related to an outbreak in Glasgow in 1950.

Serum samples from older individuals in Glasgow showed greater neutralizing capacity against the mpox virus compared to samples from younger individuals, potentially due to historical smallpox vaccination campaigns.
People born before the 1971 smallpox vaccination campaign in the UK had higher levels of antibodies against the virus, providing lasting immunity that may cross-neutralize the mpox virus.
Mpox, caused by the mpox virus, is closely related to the Variola virus, which causes smallpox, and has led to a global public health emergency with thousands of cases and deaths reported.
Researchers speculate that individuals vaccinated against smallpox decades ago may have reduced risk of severe illness from mpox disease based on their findings.
The study analyzed 430 serum samples collected during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights potential long-lasting immunity against mpox from past smallpox vaccination campaigns.

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