The time between the two doses of vaccine against monkeypox has just been extended by the Ministry of Health.
- 143 monkeypox vaccination centers are open throughout the territory according to the Minister of Health.
- The Monkeypox Info Service toll-free number, 0 801 90 80 69, can be reached every day, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Until Thursday, August 4, a 28-day period had to be respected between the injection of the first and second dose of vaccine against monkeypox… But the Ministry of Health decided to change this rule by following them recommendations published by the High Authority for Health (HAS) on July 7.
In case of tension
In its press release, the HAS specified that “’a spacing of doses of several weeks may be considered in the event of a tension in the supply of vaccines”. The goal was that all patients in need could be vaccinated.
The most exposed groups
“HAS recommends that preventive vaccination be offered to the groups most exposed to the virus: men who have sex with men and trans people who have multiple partners, people in prostitution, professionals working in places of consumption sexual, could we read in this same press release. It can be considered on a case-by-case basis for professionals who have to take care of sick people.”. For many of them, it would now be necessary to wait more than 28 days.
Prioritized by a doctor
This is not the case for immunocompromised people. They are not affected by the government decision and will therefore be able to receive their second dose within the initial period of 28 days. “Patients whose second dose would be considered a priority by a physician for health, treatment or exposure reasons will obviously benefit from the appointments.“, said the Ministry of Health. For some immunocompromised patients, a third dose is even already offered.
Appointments canceled
On twitterthe Aids association for the fight against HIV and discrimination has blasted the government’s method which “has not yet communicated publicly on the extension of the time between the first and second dose, which we regret” and add: “many people have had their appointments for their second dose canceled without any explanation. This is not acceptable and appointments must be honored”.
More than 2000 cases
According to latest update, published by Santé Publique France this Thursday, August 4, 2423 confirmed cases of monkeypox had been identified in France. The most affected regions are Ile-de-France, with 862 cases, Occitanie, with 210 cases, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, with 181 cases.
