U.S. Orders Freeze-Dried Smallpox/Mpox Vaccine Stockpile

The U.S. has purchased a next-generation freeze-dried Jynneos vaccine, which defends against smallpox and mpox, to bolster the national stockpile. This upgraded formulation, approved earlier this year, promises a longer shelf life and simpler logistics. With a $144 million order placed, health authorities aim to prepare for potential outbreaks or bioterror threats. The move follows lessons from the 2022 mpox surge, which strained liquid vaccine inventories. Officials emphasize there is no new imminent threat—only precaution as part of broader biodefense strategies.