DC Health Expands Eligibility Criteria for Monkeypox Vaccinations

WASHINGTON, DC — As we speak, DC Well being introduced expanded eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine to align with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention’s (CDC) present vaccination standards and in response to a continued rise in monkeypox instances. DC Well being studies that there are presently 321 instances of monkeypox within the District, representing the very best variety of instances per capita in the US.  

The brand new eligibility standards for monkeypox vaccination will embody District residents, people who work within the District, college students enrolled at District universities/faculties, and individuals affiliated with DC Well being Packages that obtain well being care companies in DC, and 18 years of age or older, who meet one of many following standards: 

• All individuals, of any sexual orientation or gender, who’ve had a number of sexual companions up to now 2 weeks, together with these presently thought-about highest threat: homosexual, bisexual, and different males who’ve intercourse with males, transgender males, and transgender ladies; or
• Intercourse staff (of any sexual orientation or gender); or
• Workers (of any sexual orientation or gender) at institutions the place sexual exercise happens (e.g., bathhouses, saunas, intercourse golf equipment)

The brand new eligibility standards is consistent with CDC’s present vaccination standards and can go into impact on Saturday, August 13. Starting Saturday, August 13, people will be capable of pre-register below the brand new standards; till then, the registration portal on PreventMonkeypox.dc.gov shall be down for updates.  

As of right now, DC Well being has:

• Obtained roughly 21,755 doses of the JYENNOS vaccine
• Administered greater than 15,671 doses via DC Well being monkeypox prolonged PEP clinics
• Pre-registered greater than 28,700 District residents
• Despatched out roughly 34,000 reserving invites (together with re-invitations)
• Recognized greater than 700 shut contacts 
• Hosted pop-up vaccination clinics with neighborhood companions to make sure equitable entry to vaccine

Monkeypox is a doubtlessly severe viral sickness that may be transmitted from individual to individual via direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or physique fluids. It could unfold throughout intimate bodily contact between individuals, together with intercourse, kissing, and hugging. It additionally might be unfold by respiratory secretions throughout extended face-to-face contact or when an individual touches materials, corresponding to bedding and towels, utilized by an individual with monkeypox. 

Preliminary signs of monkeypox typically embody flu-like signs corresponding to fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, adopted by a rash and lesions on the pores and skin. Though the vast majority of instances don’t require hospitalization, monkeypox is harmful, extremely contagious, and uncomfortable. Anybody with a rash that appears to be like like monkeypox ought to speak to their healthcare supplier about whether or not they should get examined, even when they don’t suppose they’d contact with somebody who has monkeypox. 

Residents are inspired to go to PreventMonkeypox.dc.gov for the newest info on the virus.