Monkeypox vaccine eligibility expanded in Alaska

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – The Alaska Division of Well being introduced that, whereas the danger of turning into contaminated with human monkeypox virus stays low for many Alaskans, the division has now broadened eligibility to incorporate anybody who believes they’re at elevated danger for an infection

The brand new eligibility language states that the vaccination is obtainable in Alaska for individuals who self-identify as being at elevated danger for an infection.

“We’re shifting away from tiered eligibility to lower boundaries and enhance entry to vaccines for Alaskans in danger for monkeypox an infection or publicity,” stated DOH Workers Doctor Dr. Lisa Rabinowitz. “The JYNNEOS vaccine that protects in opposition to human monkeypox virus is now out there in Alaska for anybody who self-identifies as being at elevated danger of an infection.”

In accordance with the division, the present epidemiology suggests that individuals with two or extra sexual companions and who’re homosexual, bisexual, or different males who’ve intercourse with males (MSM) or transgender individuals are at elevated danger.

Information to determine teams at elevated danger past MSM with a number of companions are restricted.

Along with these thought-about at elevated danger based mostly on the present epidemiology, others probably in danger would possibly embody intercourse staff, folks with intimate or family contact with MSM with a number of companions, and folks with elevated danger of direct occupational publicity to monkeypox together with sure well being care staff.

The JYNNEOS vaccine that helps shield in opposition to human monkeypox an infection was beforehand advisable for folks; Who’ve been uncovered to monkeypox, and people have had a number of or nameless sexual companions throughout the previous six months and determine as homosexual, bisexual, or different males or transgender individuals who have intercourse with males or different transgender folks.

The JYNNEOS vaccine is a two-dose vaccine. Individuals ought to get the second dose 4 weeks after the primary dose. Safety begins constructing after the primary dose, however folks won’t have the best safety till two weeks after the second dose.
As of September 19, over 450 first doses of JYNNEOS vaccine have been administered in Alaska, in response to the Alaska Immunization Program throughout the Division of Public Well being.

DOH has reported 5 instances of monkeypox in Alaska residents to the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. 4 of those instances occurred in Anchorage whereas one case is exterior of Anchorage. Alaska’s resident instances will be discovered on the CDC’s case depend map for the 2022 United States outbreak.