Health authorities in Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC have announced plans to introduce second experimental ebola vaccine, manufactured by Johnson and Johnson, from mid-October. The World Health Organisation, WHO noted that the vaccine is given as a two-dose course, fifty six-days apart.
The vaccine, the information added, would be provided under approved protocols to targeted populations in areas without active ebola transmission as an additional tool to extend protection against the virus.
It quoted WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as commending DRC authorities for deploying the second vaccine to curb the disease.
He said Congo authorities, in deciding to deploy the second experimental vaccine to extend protection against this deadly virus, have once again shown leadership and determination to end this outbreak as soon as possible.
According to WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti the vaccine will also be a potential tool to protect populations before outbreaks hit areas at risk
