Health Department Announces Next Phase of Monkeypox Vaccine Strategy
Two temporary vaccine clinics at the Department’s Central Harlem and Chelsea Sexual Health Clinics open today for eligible New Yorkers
July 6, 2022 — The Health Department today announced the next phase of the City’s plan to provide the JYNNEOSTM vaccine to eligible people who may have had a recent exposure to monkeypox. Temporary vaccine clinics will open at the Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic (2238 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan) and the Chelsea Sexual Health Clinic (303 Ninth Avenue in Manhattan) on Thursday for appointments only. A third clinic, located at the Corona Sexual Health Clinic, is expected to open later this month. Information on eligibility and scheduling appointments can be found at: nyc.gov/health/monkeypox. The monkeypox outbreak is growing in New York City, and the risk of exposure through intimate contact is increasing. While anyone can get and spread monkeypox, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are at greatest risk of exposure as the virus is spreading in these social networks. Due to limited supply of the JYNNEOSTMvaccine nationally, eligibility during this phase is restricted to: Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men and transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary persons ages 18 and older who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days. Phase Two allocations from the CDC are expected later in July. More appointments will go online soon, and we will keep partners informed about future allocations.
"Providing vaccine for New Yorkers at highest risk of transmission will ensure more New Yorkers are protected against monkeypox,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. "Thank you to our federal partners for providing the necessary support we need to curb transmission and keep New Yorkers safe. The City will continue to work with the federal government to secure additional doses."
About monkeypox
The monkeypox virus is most often spread through direct contact with a rash or sores of someone who has the virus. It can also spread through contact with clothing, bedding, and other items used by a person with monkeypox, or from respiratory droplets that can be passed in prolonged close contact. Transmission can occur during sex or other close physical contact.
Symptoms
Symptoms of monkeypox usually start seven to 14 days after exposure but may not appear for up to 21 days. An individual is not contagious until symptoms begin. The most common symptom is a rash or sores that can look like pimples or blisters. These may be all over the body or just in certain parts, such as the face, hands, or feet, or around or inside the mouth, genitals or anus. Before or at the same time the rash or sores appear, some people have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and tiredness. In some cases, monkeypox can cause severe illness. A person is contagious from when they develop symptoms until all sores have healed, and a new layer of skin has formed, which can take two to four weeks.
Prevention and care
To reduce the chance of getting or spreading monkeypox, do not engage in sex or other close physical contact (such as touching, massage, or kissing) if you or your partners are sick and especially if you or they have a new or unexpected rash or sores anywhere on the body. Avoid gatherings and direct contact with others if you are unwell or have a rash or sores. Wash your hands, sex toys and bedding before and after sex or other intimate activities. As more New Yorkers are diagnosed with monkeypox, it is crucial to seek care as soon as you notice a rash or sores. If you don’t have a health care provider, visit the NYC Health Map or call 311 to be connected to care. People who receive the vaccine should continue to take these precautions to prevent transmission of monkeypox.
The JYNNEOSTM vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of monkeypox in people ages 18 and older. The vaccine is given as two doses, at least four weeks apart.
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