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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
In France, as elsewhere, the monkeypox epidemic is progressing. The bar of one thousand cases having been reached in France, people exposed or at risk are invited to be vaccinated. However, should they fear side effects? Dr. Gérald Kierzek responds.
As of July 14, 11,068 cases of monkeypox virus have been confirmed across 65 countries according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Progress which not only urges the emergency committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) to meet on July 21, but also to intensify the vaccination campaign. The High Authority for Health (HAS) thus recommends the vaccination of the most exposed groups: men who have sex with men, trans people, people with multiple partners, etc.
Vaccination with completely classic side effects
People at risk who have every interest in getting vaccinated may however encounter side effects, which do not differ from other vaccination schemes, whatever they may be: pain, swelling, inflammation at the injection site. But also aches, headaches, fatigue, nausea, fever. “These are simply effects linked to an immune reaction of the body, proof that the vaccine stimulates it” reassures Dr Gérald Kierzek. He comes back to an important point: “Once again it’s all about the benefit/risk ratio, if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, there’s no point in getting vaccinated and risking these side effects. If you are one of those at risk, the side effects are quite acceptable”.
No scar with this smallpox vaccine
What about the scar that was specific to the smallpox vaccine? She is no longer there in this new vaccine, quite simply. “The scar was related to the injection technique which used a double needle, lifted the skin, and created a papule” explains the doctor. A technique that is no longer relevant with this vaccine against monkeypox.
As a reminder, the vaccination schedule consists of two doses, spaced 28 days apart. A schedule reduced to one dose for people who have already been vaccinated against smallpox, and expanded to three doses as appropriate for immunocompromised people.