Health Department Announces New Appointments and Next Monkeypox Vaccine Allocation

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New York City is experiencing a growing monkeypox epidemic. The risk of being exposed through close physical contact and sex is increasing. Anybody can contract monkeypox. The current cases are being spread mainly among gay, bisexual, or other men who have had sex with women. This community is at higher risk. Because there is limited supply of JYNNEOS(tm), eligibility for this phase is restricted to people at greatest risk of exposure. This is based on local and national cases. This is gay and bisexual men 18 years and older who have sex in public with men, transgenders, gender nonconforming or gender nonbinary people. When more vaccines are made available to New York City, there will be more appointments.

Information about monkeypox

Monkeypox is spread most commonly by direct contact with the rash or sores from someone infected. The virus can also be spread by contact with bedding, clothing, and other items that are used by someone with monkeypox. Transmission can also occur through close physical contact or sex. Although it is not known whether monkeypox can be spread via saliva, semen, or vaginal fluids, it is possible.

Symptoms:

The most common symptoms are a rash, or sores, which can look like blisters or pimples. They may appear all over the body, or in specific areas such as the face or hands, or feet. Some people experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen glands, headaches, tiredness, or both. Sometimes, monkeypox can lead to severe illness. A person can be contagious until the sores are gone and a new layer has formed. This can take up to four weeks.

Preventive and care

Avoid touching, kissing, and massaging if you are ill or if your partner is afflicted. If you’re unwell, have a rash, or have sores, avoid direct contact with other people and avoid gatherings. Before and after you have sex, wash your hands and sex toys. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as you feel a rash. To connect to a doctor if you don’t have one, go to the NYC Health Map. To prevent monkeypox transmission, people who have received the vaccine should keep these things in mind.

The JYNNEOS TM vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent monkeypox among people over 18 years old. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended, each administered at least four weeks apart.