Delaying second dose of monkeypox vaccine causes controversy

Dose availability or organization problem? The Ministry of Health’s decision on Thursday, August 4, to extend the interval between the first and second doses of the monkeypox vaccine, is raising questions among some experts and the associational world.

According to the ministry, if the appointments already made should not be cancelled, how will this happen to those who do not have sesame seeds? From the beginning of vaccination at the end of May, the time between two doses is twenty-eight days. Second dose appointments from now on “May be scheduled later in the course of the vaccination campaign.” Therefore, there are no details on the maximum time allowed by the authorities to obtain full protection from the disease.

However, an exception is provided. “Patients whose second dose is prioritized by their doctor for health, treatment or exposure reasons will clearly benefit from appointments”They specify in the Ministry, in particular, immunocompromised persons, for whom the third dose is already offered.

“Limited supply of doses” in the UK

Associations were quick to denounce the very different reality on the ground. “Many people have had their second dose canceled without any explanation., warned the Association of Assistants on Thursday. This is unacceptable and appointments must be respected. » Assistants also prove it “People whose lifestyles or practices keep them out of the health care system should also have regular appointments for a second dose.”cites sex workers as well as people who are at high risk.

Why is the government making such a choice? The goal is clearly to vaccinate with at least one dose as many people as possible in the eligible population, ie men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans people with multiple sexual partners. Sex workers and health professionals. This approach is already being used in the UK “Due to the limited supply of doses”, explains the British Health Safety Agency. The situation envisaged by the Supreme Health Authority (HAS) from July 7, which wrote in its opinion: “In case of tension in the supply of vaccines, HAS (…) considers that, if necessary, the second dose can be delayed for several weeks. »