France Urges At-Risk Groups to Get Imvanex Booster Amid Mpox Resurgence Threat

In a proactive measure to curb the potential resurgence of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) has recommended that at-risk individuals receive a booster shot of the Imvanex vaccine developed by Bavarian Nordic. This announcement, made on September 2, underscores the ongoing health concerns associated with the virus, particularly in light of the previous outbreak that saw over 100,000 cases reported globally between 2022 and 2023. The HAS has identified a specific target population for vaccination, which remains consistent with recommendations from previous outbreaks. This group includes men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals with multiple sexual partners, sex workers, staff at venues offering sexual services, and those living with individuals in these categories. Collectively, this demographic encompasses around 300,000 people in France, with estimates suggesting that the MSM population with multiple partners alone numbers approximately 250,000. Additionally, the number of sex workers in the country is estimated to be between 30,000 and 40,000. Infectiologist Anne-Claude Crémieux, who leads the HAS technical committee on vaccinations, emphasizes the importance of timely intervention. "We're facing a real pandemic risk," she stated, highlighting the significance of taking action while the disease remains largely confined to specific groups. The previous mpox outbreak, which was uncharacteristic for a virus primarily endemic to a few African nations, spread to 117 countries and resulted in significant health ramifications. The lessons learned from that experience are driving current vaccination strategies. The urgency of this recommendation is heightened by the presence of two sub-clades of the virus that pose a threat. The previously circulating sub-clade 2b has been reported in 13 countries outside of Africa, including France, which has documented 126 cases since the start of the year, predominantly among the target population. Furthermore, a new sub-clade 1b, first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year, has been spreading rapidly through neighboring regions, raising concerns about its potential global dissemination. While mpox remains a concern primarily for specific populations in France and beyond, it is notable that in Africa, the disease predominantly affects children. Health authorities continue to monitor these trends closely, as the two sub-clades of the virus are primarily transmitted through sexual contact among individuals with multiple partners. The first cluster of the new sub-clade 1b was detected among MSM in the Kwango province of the DRC in April 2024, underscoring the need for vigilance and targeted health interventions. As France seeks to navigate the complexities of mpox, the HAS's recommendation for a booster shot is a clear call for action aimed at safeguarding public health and preventing a wider outbreak. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and targeted health policies in the face of emerging infectious diseases.