First Ebola Vaccine Approved

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first-ever Ebola vaccine.

This vaccine is called Ervebo. The FDA approved it to prevent Ebola virus disease (EVD) in adults.

This vaccine is specifically meant to prevent the disease caused by Zaire ebolavirus.

Although Ebola cases in the US are rare, outbreaks in Africa continue to occur. In the last several years, outbreaks have occurred in three West African countries (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone).

Currently, the world’s second largest EVD outbreak is occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Ebola is contagious and is passed on if you come into contact with blood or body fluids of an animal or person who is infected. In addition, Ebola can be passed on if you touch a contaminated surface or material (bedding and clothing).

This vaccine is to be administered as a one-time dose. It is a live, attenuated vaccine that contains a protein from the Zaire ebolavirus.

“Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe and often deadly disease that knows no borders. Vaccination is essential to help prevent outbreaks and to stop the Ebola virus from spreading when outbreaks do occur,” said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in a press release.

Common side effects of this vaccine included injection-site reactions (pain, swelling and redness), feeling tired, headache, fever and joint/muscle pain.

This vaccine's approval was granted to Merck & Co., Inc.

Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions.

Written by Anyssa Garza, PharmD, BCMAS