IMVANEX VACCINE. The Haute Autorité de Santé has recommended the use of the Imvanex vaccine in the context of monkeypox. Who can use it? How many doses are needed? We will explain everything to you…
[Mis à jour le 27 mai à 11h54] Monkeypox first appeared in Europe. If, for the moment, it is not very widespread, especially in France, the health authorities of European countries are trying to find remedies and preventive protocols to guard against this disease. Thus, on Tuesday May 24, 2022, the High Authority for Health (HAS) issued a favorable opinion on the use of the Imvanex vaccine. In addition, she indicated that she only authorized this product. Coming from the third generation of vaccine, Imvanex must be received in a very specific context, detailed by the HAS in its opinion: “Anyone who has had direct unprotected physical contact with the damaged skin or biological fluids of a probable case or confirmed symptomatic, whatever the circumstances including sexual intercourse, acts of medical or paramedical care, or sharing of toilet utensils, or contact with textiles (clothing, bath linen, bedding) or dirty dishes used by the probable or confirmed symptomatic case.”
The advantage of this vaccine is its effectiveness against the monkey pox virus. Thus, the High Authority for Health explains: “It presents a mode of administration and a much more favorable safety profile than those of the vaccines of the 1D and 2e generations, while ensuring comparable immunogenicity. It has been shown that the vaccination smallpox was 85% effective in preventing Monkeypox.” In addition, the European Medicines Agency indicates that the side effects are fewer than for other vaccines: “The most common side effects seen with Imvanex (which may affect one in ten people) are headaches, nausea, myalgia (muscle pain), fatigue and injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, hardening and itching).
Regarding the number of doses, the High Authority for Health has ruled in favor of two: “The primary vaccination schedule includes two doses of 0.5 ml administered subcutaneously with an interval of at least 28 days between both doses. However, people over 50, who have therefore been vaccinated against smallpox, should only take one dose, except immunocompromised people, who should receive both doses. According to the Minister of Solidarity and Health, Brigitte Bourguignon, France has sufficient stocks: “The stocks are there, we have strategic stocks and it will be targeted vaccination, we are not talking about total vaccination.” And to add: “The stocks are perfect for the moment, I can not tell you more.”