Waning humoral immunity following monkeypox virus infection and vaccination, Canada, 2020 to 2023
Monkeypox antibodies fade within months after vaccination or infection, raising questions about booster timing while the virus remains in circulation.
This Canadian study of 71 mpox-exposed individuals shows that post-infection and post-vaccination antibody responses against MPXV wane substantially within months, with long-term MVA-BN vaccinees having near-undetectable levels at 30 months. These findings raise concerns about susceptibility to mpox reinfection and breakthrough disease, warranting evaluation of booster vaccination guidance in a context where mpox remains globally circulating.
What the study was
- Study design
- Retrospective longitudinal cohort study
- Population
- 2022 global mpox outbreak survivors (n=46) with longitudinal blood samples up to 7 months; plus 25 uninfected long-term MVA-BN vaccinees
- Sample size
- 71
- Category
- Public Health
- Maturity
- Exploratory
- Journal
- Euro Surveillance
Why it surfaced
Timely surveillance data on mpox vaccine immunity waning, relevant for public health preparedness. Small sample (n=71) limits generalizability. Surfaced via aging/longevity search (likely MeSH noise) and confirmed as high-signal unsolicited find.
A plain-language summary of published research — not medical advice. Talk to a clinician about your own care.