Today, the Department of Health announced plans for its next allocation of the JYNNEOS™ vaccine.
Approximately 26,000 additional doses have been delivered to New York as part of Phase 2b by the federal and state governments, and will be distributed through clinics, mass vaccination sites and community referrals. Individuals will be able to make an appointment from July 24 to August 13.
“The Department of Health is moving quickly to distribute as many vaccine doses as possible in the fairest way possible,” said Health Commissioner Dr Ashwin Vasan. “With the increase in cases, it is clear that there is a great need for more vaccines in New York, and we are working with our federal partners to secure more doses.”
Of the 25,963 doses, 17,000 will be open for public appointments tomorrow July 22. These appointments will be for vaccination at sexual health clinics in Chelsea, East Harlem and Corona operated by the Department of Health.
Additionally, appointments will be open at Gotham Health, Vanderbilt on Staten Island, and Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, which is operated by NYC Health + Hospitals.
Of the pool of 17,000 appointments, 10,600 will be for vaccinations during three days of mass vaccination at sites across the city.
Mass vaccination sites will take place on July 24, July 30 and July 31 at:
- Brooklyn: Science Skills Center High School, 49 Flatbush Ave Ext., Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Queens: IS 125, 46-02 47 Ave, Woodside, NY 11377
- Bronx: Bronx High School of Science, 75 W 205th St, Bronx NY 10468
Additional doses will be reserved for referrals from community organizations serving high-risk New Yorkers (3,850) and the remaining doses will be used for vaccinations administered by providers and contacts of known cases identified through contact tracing of the Department of Health.
Appointments are for early doses only, in keeping with the city’s recent decision to prioritize early doses due to its status at the epicenter of the U.S. monkeypox outbreak.
To date, 778 people have tested positive for orthopoxvirus/monkeypox in New York City.
The monkeypox epidemic is growing in New York and the risk of exposure through sex and other close physical contact is increasing. Anyone can catch and spread monkeypox.
Current cases are spreading primarily among social networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, so this community is currently most at risk of exposure. People with multiple or anonymous sexual partners are particularly at risk.
Due to the limited supply of the JYNNEOS™ vaccine nationwide, eligibility during this phase is limited to those most at risk of recent exposure based on national and local cases.
Currently, these are gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men and transgender, gender nonconforming, or gender nonconforming people ages 18 and older who have had sexual partners multiple or anonymous in the last 14 days. More appointments will come online as more vaccines are allocated to New York City by the federal government.
About monkeypox
The monkeypox virus is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with a rash or wounds of someone infected with the virus. It can also be spread through contact with clothing, bedding, and other items used by someone with monkeypox, or through respiratory droplets that can be transmitted during prolonged close contact. Transmission can occur through sex or other close physical contact. It is not yet known whether monkeypox can be spread through saliva, semen or vaginal secretions.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is a rash or sores that may look like pimples or blisters. These can be all over the body or only in certain parts, such as the face, hands or feet, or around or inside the mouth, genitals or anus. The rash and sores can be itchy and painful and cause scarring and other complications. Before or at the same time the rash or sores appear, some people experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and fatigue. In some cases, monkeypox can cause serious illness. A person is contagious until all wounds have healed and a new layer of skin has formed, which can take two to four weeks.
Prevention and care
To reduce the risk of getting or spreading monkeypox, do not have sex or other close physical contact (such as touching, massaging, 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 and more New Yorkers are being diagnosed with monkeypox, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as you notice a rash or sores. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, visit 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 JYNNEOS™ vaccine has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of monkeypox in persons 18 years of age and older. The vaccine is given in two doses, at least four weeks apart.
Appointments will be made available on the City’s vaccine portal:
vax4nyc.nyc.gov/monkey pox and by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) starting tomorrow, Friday, July 22n/a2022, 6 p.m. EST
Photo credit: CDC.
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