Are Mpox (monkeypox) vaccines available in France?
Spread of new variant of virus is causing concern across world
The World Health Organisation has declared a global health emergency
Syda Productions/Shutterstock
People may be concerned about the spread of Mpox, after a new variant of the disease led the World Health Organisation to declare a global health emergency.
The new strain of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), which has a significantly higher fatality rate and seems to be more easily spread, has been documented in numerous countries, mostly in Africa.
Since 2022, France’s Health Authority (Haute Autorité de santé, HAS) has recommended a vaccine against the virus. This came after a previous outbreak of a less deadly variant.
It is recommended for people in the following categories:
Transgender people and homosexual men who have sex with various partners
People involved in prostitution
People who work in a venue where sex takes place (les lieux de consommation sexuelle)
Health professionals can also ask for a vaccine, if they believe it is necessary, as well as people who can confirm they have been in contact with a person who suffers from the virus.
The virus is not directly related to a person’s sexual orientation, and is usually spread through prolonged skin-on-skin contact (which can include sexual contact).
However, the HAS says that since 2022 the majority of recorded Mpox cases in France have been people in these categories.
To get a vaccine, you need to have a medical prescription from a healthcare professional confirming that you are eligible.
However, you can self-declare yourself as belonging to one of the situations listed above.
Number of doses required depends on previous vaccinations
Vaccinations are available at a number of centres around France – you can find a full list here, as well as find your nearest centre by typing in your address.
The vaccine comes in two doses, however for people who have had a smallpox vaccine they will only need one. Immunocompromised people may need three doses of the Mpox vaccine to be fully covered.
The HAS stresses that the vaccination is not 100% effective, and should be combined with other preventative measures to reduce the risk of infection.
A MPox helpline is available at 0 801 90 80 69.
Read more: Travelling outside France this summer? Check which jabs you will need
