Bavarian Nordic Wins Four-Year UK Vaccine Supply Contract

Bavarian Nordic has secured a new four-year vaccine supply contract from the UK government to support the country’s preparedness against mpox and smallpox outbreaks.

Announced on November 2, 2026, the agreement was awarded through the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and covers the supply of MVA-BN, the company’s non-replicating vaccine approved for the prevention of mpox and smallpox.

Under the contract, Bavarian Nordic will deliver vaccines to the UK through scheduled shipments over the next four years. The agreement also includes options that provide flexibility in vaccine supply, allowing the government to respond to changing public health needs.

The financial details of the contract have not been disclosed.

The new agreement strengthens the long-standing relationship between Bavarian Nordic and the UK government. It also supports the UK’s efforts to maintain sufficient vaccine supplies and improve its ability to respond quickly to infectious disease outbreaks.

Sarah Collins, Director of Commercial, Vaccines and Countermeasures Delivery at UKHSA, said maintaining access to appropriate vaccines is essential for protecting the public against different infectious disease threats. She also highlighted the importance of working with trusted suppliers to build a reliable and flexible vaccine supply chain.

Hitesh Sahni, Senior Vice President of Public Preparedness at Bavarian Nordic, said the company was pleased to continue supporting the UK’s public health preparedness efforts. He added that maintaining sustainable vaccine stockpiles and rapid response capabilities is important for protecting communities.

The vaccine, known as MVA-BN (Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic), is designed to protect against both mpox and smallpox. It is marketed under different brand names depending on the country, including JYNNEOS in the United States, IMVANEX in Europe and the UK, and IMVAMUNE in Canada.

Unlike traditional smallpox vaccines that use replicating vaccinia virus, MVA-BN is a non-replicating vaccine. This means the virus used in the vaccine cannot reproduce in human cells, making it an important option for vaccination programmes that include people who may not be suitable for traditional replicating vaccines.

Originally developed in collaboration with the US government as part of smallpox preparedness efforts, MVA-BN has become an important tool in global mpox prevention and outbreak response.

The vaccine is approved in several markets, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other countries. It is indicated for eligible populations considered at risk of mpox or smallpox infection.

The latest contract comes as governments continue to strengthen their preparedness against emerging infectious diseases. Maintaining access to vaccines and reliable supply chains remains an important part of national public health strategies.

For Bavarian Nordic, the agreement further strengthens its position as a major supplier of mpox and smallpox vaccines to governments worldwide. It also provides continued support for the UK’s long-term vaccine preparedness programme.