International Groups Sending 70,000 Doses of Ebola Vaccine to Congo

The World Health Organization and partners are sending 70,000 doses of Merck’s Ervebo Ebola vaccine to Congo. This vaccine is approved for the Zaire ebolavirus, but Congo’s current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, for which no vaccines are approved. The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of doses upon Congo’s request.

• 70,000 doses of an Ebola vaccine are being sent to Congo by the WHO and partners.
• The vaccine, Merck’s Ervebo, is approved for the Zaire ebolavirus.
• Congo’s current Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, for which no vaccines are approved.
• The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the initial release of doses.
• Congo’s current outbreak is the second-deadliest in history.