At the monkeypox vaccination center, open at the Le Mans Hospital Center since July 28, 2022, 123 people received a dose. Only a case of the “Monkeypox” virus was diagnosed in the Sarthe, against 75 in the Pays-de-la-Loire region.
“Per half-day, up to eighteen people can be vaccinated, indicates Hikombo Hitoto, infectious disease specialist at Le Mans hospital and vaccination coordinator in Sarthe. All slots are filled, but we don’t have a waiting list yet.”
Preventive but not stigmatizing
The majority of those vaccinated come as a preventive measure, as the High Authority for Health wished in its opinion issued on July 8, 2022. The target populations of the vaccine are in particular the men having sex with other men (MSH) or transgender peoplerecalls the infectiologist.
These are mainly people who report having multiple partners. This does not concern men who are in a single relationship.
Thus, the sex workers where the professionals working in places of sexual consumption are also affected. To avoid stigmatizing these populations, the Le Mans Hospital Center has stopped calling them to invite them to be administered a dose. “We realized that it hurt them sometimes“, recognizes Hikombo Hitoto. Since July 28, only men have been vaccinated at Le Mans hospital, apart from a sex worker.
Post-exposure vaccination
A second type of vaccination is offered at the hospital: a “post-exposure” vaccination, reserved for people who have been in contact with someone infected. A bite that is done at best within four days of contamination, at the latest within fourteen days. But in the Sarthe, cases are rare According to the doctor:For the moment, only two or three people have come for this reason.“
The vaccination center is open Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Thursday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.. By appointment only, at 02 43 43 43 70.