HSC Health began offering the monkeypox vaccine at the end of August in limited quantities for people at the highest risk of developing monkeypox. Phase 1 focused on and prioritized vaccination for individuals who had a recent exposure without symptoms. Phase 2 will continue to focus on individuals at the highest risk of developing monkeypox and those who have had recent exposure without symptoms. If you have a confirmed case of monkeypox or symptoms of monkeypox, you are not eligible to receive the vaccine.
PHASE TWO
The first phase will begin Monday, September 19, 2022, for those 18 years of age or older, meeting at least one of the following criteria:
• Anyone 18 years of age or older who was diagnosed with HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or early syphilis within the past 12 months or is on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
• You work in health care and have had unprotected exposure to monkeypox.
• You have had close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has tested positive for monkeypox.
• Men (cisgender and transgender) and transwomen 18 and older who have sex with men and who also have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the past 14 days.
• Men (cisgender and transgender) and transwomen who have sex with men who met partners through an online website, digital application (“app”), or social event, such as a bar or party in the past 14 days.
• Men (cisgender and transgender) and transwomen who have sex with men who had skin-to-skin or intimate contact (e.g., kissing, hugging) with persons at large venues or events in the past 14 days.
VACCINATION
Vaccination is for the prevention of monkeypox only. Monkeypox vaccine will be given in the Student Health and Priority Care clinics.
• The vaccine will be given in two doses, 28 days apart in the forearm, intradermally.
• The vaccine will help prevent monkeypox disease when given within 4 days from the date of exposure. When given between 4-14 days after exposure, vaccination may reduce the symptoms, but may not prevent the disease.
• If monkeypox symptoms have already occurred, vaccination is not recommended.
• The vaccine does not contain preservatives or latex.
• The vaccine will not be given to anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or intends to become pregnant or breastfeed within the next month.
• Reducing or avoiding behaviors that increase the risk of monkeypox exposure is also important when you are between your first and second shots of vaccine. Your protection will be highest two weeks after your second dose of the vaccine.
PREVENTION
There are many ways to prevent the spread of monkeypox, including:
• Limiting the number of sex partners to reduce your likelihood of exposure
• Avoid spaces like back rooms, saunas, sex clubs, or private and public sex parties, where intimate, often anonymous sexual contact with multiple partners occurs
• Always talking to your sexual partner/s about any recent illness and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner’s body, including on the genitals and anus
• Avoiding close contact, including sex, with people with symptoms like sores or rashes
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (like a mask, gown, eyewear or face shield, and gloves) when caring for others with symptoms
• Avoiding contact with infected materials contaminated with the virus
• Avoiding contact with infected animals
• Avoiding gatherings, especially if they involve close, personal, skin-to-skin contact
TESTING
• Students should contact HSC Student Health at 817-735-5051 if exposed or experiencing any monkeypox symptoms
• Employees should contact Priority Care at 817-735-2273 or their PCP if exposed or experiencing any monkeypox symptoms