Monkeypox: Four vaccination centers opened in Lyon and the Rhône

Faced with a possible spread of the new variant of the Mpox virus in France, the government is taking the lead. Although no cases of this clade Ib variant have yet been detected in the country, the authorities have chosen to open 232 vaccination centers across the country to prevent any epidemic outbreak.

To date, 28 cases of monkeypox have been reported in the Rhône since the beginning of the year, demonstrating the active circulation of the virus in this region. Among the established vaccination sites, four are in Lyon and the Rhône, located at the Edouard Herriot hospital, the Croix-Rousse hospital, the Le Griffon health and sexuality center (Lyon 1st), and the Villefranche-sur-Saône hospital in Gleizé.

For now, vaccination is being considered preventively, mainly targeting the populations most at risk. This includes transgender people, men who have sex with men (MSM) and have multiple partners, people in prostitution, as well as professionals working in places of sexual consumption.

It is important to note that the government reiterates that the transmission of the Mpox virus does not depend on gender or sexual orientation. Indeed, anyone can contract this virus through prolonged contact, often skin-to-skin. However, since June 2022, the majority of reported cases concern men who have sex with men and have multiple partners.

Finally, increased vigilance is recommended for people who are most exposed to the risk of transmission, particularly those who are likely to travel to Africa, where the virus is endemic. These preventive measures aim to contain the spread of the virus and protect at-risk populations.