What is monkeypox? It is a viral infection, which is transmitted by contact with skin or mucous membrane lesions (or via sheets or linen), with symptoms including fever, muscle pain, fatigue and a widespread rash. Originally, the disease mainly affects men who have multiple sexual partners with other men. However, women and children can also be infected. A new strain, highly contagious and more deadly, was identified in 2023, with a very high alert level since this summer, at the international level.
In the summer of 2022, the Dron hospital had already opened a monkeypox vaccination center to prevent the spread of the epidemic. Each week, on average, 350 people were vaccinated, a quarter of whom were Belgians. On the scale of the Lille metropolitan area, the fight against sexually transmitted diseases is managed from Tourcoing.
In a few weeks, vaccinations will also be possible in Lille, at the Pasteur Institute site.
Who is the vaccination for? The High Authority for Health (HAS) recommends preventive vaccination for people most exposed to the virus: men who have sex with men with multiple sexual partners; transsexual people with multiple partners; sex workers; professionals working in meeting places; partners or people sharing the same living space as the people mentioned above; as well as people who have had risky contact with a sick person.
How to make an appointment? Appointments can be made exclusively on the Doctolib platform. Vaccination times at CH Dron in Tourcoing are as follows: Monday from 2 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.; Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. However, these times are likely to change from October 7. In concrete terms, vaccination consultations will take place on the ground floor of building no. 3 Y. Mouton. Signage has been put in place around the building to guide users. They are asked to come if possible with their vaccination and/or health record.
In a few weeks, vaccinations will also be possible at Cegidd (free information, screening and diagnostic center) in Lille, located at 13 rue Camille Guérin, on the site of the Pasteur Institute.
