In France l ‘National Health Authority (Has) has announced a monkeypox vaccination strategy, after three cases of infection were detected in the country. The immunization program is aimed at adults at risk of exposure to the ‘monkeypox’ virus, including healthcare professionals.
It is recommended to administer only the third generation vaccine, in the 4 days following the contact at risk, up to a maximum of 14 days. The vaccination schedule provides two or three doses for immunocompromised patients, administered 28 days apart. Has explained that vaccination recommendations will be adapted to epidemiological and clinical data as they progressively become available.
The agency also stressed the importance of having a monitoring and reporting system for monkeypox cases, more precise information on transmission by identified infected people, data on the efficacy of the third generation vaccine and a dose of risk for people vaccinated in childhood against human smallpox. In France, smallpox vaccination remained mandatory until 1979.