The preventive vaccination campaign against monkeypox (or Monkeypox) is extended to those most at risk of exposure. Update with Dr Hélène Bazus. The infectious disease doctor began the first injections at the Lens hospital center on Wednesday.
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3 mins
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Vaccination for whom?
In addition to people in contact with a sick person at risk, vaccination against monkeypox is now offered to people most at risk of exposure, recalls Dr Hélène Bazus, infectious disease specialist, at the Lens hospital center: men with relations with men and transgender people, in both cases, multi-partners, sex workers, professionals who work in establishments for conviviality or sexual consumption (libertine clubs, etc.). It is estimated that 10,000 people have been affected by this vaccination campaign in the region.
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How it works ?
To be eligible for the vaccine, you must swear to be part of the target audience. The vaccination schedule includes two doses, at least 28 days apart or a single dose for people born before 1980, ” when the smallpox vaccine was still mandatory “explains the doctor. For immunocompromised people, three doses are needed. The vaccine is free, but you must make an appointment and come with your vaccination record.
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An informed public, a campaign that is off to a good start
” As soon as the Regional Health Agency announced the extension of vaccination, people were very responsive, I received a lot of requests by email, by phone “says the doctor. ” Information circulates well, in particular thanks to associations, such as AIDES or ENIPSE, and it is a public very sensitive to prevention, since HIV, then the vaccination campaign in 2017 against hepatitis A. » « Very quickly, we had many requests on the subjectconfirms Benjamin Duval, Hauts-de-France ENIPSE regional delegate, who came to receive his first dose on Friday. The relationship of trust with the associations, the doctors is very strong, it was not built in a day. So when a prevention message comes from medical authorities, doctors, people don’t ask too many questions, they follow it. »
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Recommendations
Monkeypox is not recognized as a sexually transmitted infection but is transmitted through very close contact. Immunity begins 10 to 15 days after the first dose, for real protection 10 days after the second, indicates the infectiologist. ” The vaccine used is a third generation smallpox vaccine. It protects against smallpox for life, but we do not have the necessary perspective to affirm it concerning monkeypox. »
After very general symptoms (fever, fatigue, pharyngitis…), ” what can alert is the appearance of lesions, theoretically red pimples but which do not itch and evolve until they form scabs, a bit like chickenpox. It is recommended to isolate yourself and contact an infectious disease service or your doctor. »
A “Monkeypox Info service” telephone information platform is accessible free of charge 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., on 0801 90 80 69.
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