rVSV-ZEBOV is the only vaccine available for use in the United States for the prevention of Ebola virus disease caused by Zaire ebolavirus species. It is also authorized for use in the European Union, Canada, and in several countries in Central, East, and West Africa. rVSV-ZEBOV provides protection against only the Zaire ebolavirus species and does not protect against other species of Ebola virus or Marburg virus. (Marburg virus infection is similar to but different from Ebola virus infection.)
Another vaccine regimen includes 2 vaccines: Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo. These vaccines are not available in the United States, but they were used during an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These vaccines are used for the prevention of Ebola virus disease caused by Zaire ebolavirus.
Vaccine Type
The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine is a live-attenuated recombinant viral vaccine, which means it contains a weakened (attenuated) but still live version of the Ebola virus. The weakened version of the Ebola virus is manufactured in a laboratory and recombined with other substances. Because the virus is weakened, it cannot cause Ebola virus disease, but it does trigger a strong response from a person's immune system (see Active immunization).
rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine is stockpiled in Switzerland for rapid distribution to people in regions where an outbreak of Ebola virus disease is occurring.
The Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo vaccines are vector vaccines, which means they contain genetic material of the Ebola virus that has been modified to make it harmless. The genetic material is contained in a different, harmless virus (the vector) that helps get it into cells. These vaccines trigger an immune response in a person but do not cause Ebola virus disease.
Dose of and Recommendations for Ebola Vaccine
rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine is given as a single injection into a muscle.
Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo vaccines are given as a series of 2 separate injections into a muscle.
People who should receive this vaccine
rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine is recommended for people 18 years of age and older in the United States who are at high risk of occupational exposure to Ebola because they are doing the following:
Responding to an outbreak of Ebola virus disease
Working as health care personnel at federally designated Ebola treatment centers in the United States
Working as laboratory personnel or as other staff at biosafety level 4 facilities where live Ebola virus is handled in the United States
Working as laboratory personnel or as other staff at Laboratory Response Network facilities
Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo vaccines are recommended for people 1 year of age and older in who are in areas where there is an outbreak of Ebola virus disease or who are in areas where this disease is common.
People who should not receive this vaccine
People who have had a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction (such as an anaphylactic reaction) to any component in the Ebola vaccines should not receive them. People who have had an allergic reaction to rice protein should also not receive the vaccines (rice protein is used to make them).
People whose immune system is weakened by a disorder (such as HIV infection) or who need to take medications that suppress their immune system (such as corticosteroids and chemotherapy) may not be able to receive the vaccines. People who are immunocompromised should talk with their doctor about whether they should be vaccinated.
People who have a high fever or severe infection should wait to receive the Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo vaccines until their illness is gone.
Pregnant people should not receive the Ad26.ZEBOV and /MVA-BN-Filo vaccines until after delivery. However, if they cannot avoid being exposed to Ebola virus while pregnant, they should discuss with their doctor the risks of infection versus the possible benefits and risks of vaccination. If pregnant people opt to receive the vaccine, doctors recommend they receive it during the second or early third trimester. The vaccine is not given during the first trimester or late in the third trimester.
Similar recommendations are given to people who are breastfeeding (chestfeeding). However, if the risk of Ebola virus disease is high, such as during an outbreak, the Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo vaccines may be given, but people who are breastfeeding should discuss with their doctor the benefits of breastfeeding for their infant versus the risks of infection.
Side Effects of Ebola Vaccine
For all 3 vaccines, the most common side effects include pain and swelling at the injection site, muscle and joint pain, headache, and tiredness.
For rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, other common side effects include redness at the injection site; feverishness; nausea; joint pain, swelling, and stiffness; rash; and abnormal sweating.
For Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo vaccines, other common side effects include warmth at the injection site and chills. In children 1 to 17 years of age, the most common side effects reported are the following:
Pain at the injection site
Tiredness
Decreased activity
Decreased appetite
Irritability
For more information about side effects, see the package inserts.
More Information
The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that The Manual is not responsible for the content of these resources.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Ebola Disease Basics
