Update: HSC monkeypox vaccine plan

HSC Health is partnering with Tarrant County Health Department in providing Vaccine to the campus. Beginning Monday, August 29, 2022, the focus and priority (phase 1) will be to use the limited doses of Monkeypox vaccine that we have received to vaccinate people at highest risk who have had a recent exposure without symptoms. The goal with this approach is to help slow the spread of the disease. The questions listed below will help to identify those at high risk and determine vaccine eligibility under the current criteria.

PHASE ONE
The first phase will begin Monday, August 29, 2022 for those 18 years of age or older, meeting at least one of the following criteria:
• You have been identified by Public Health as a contact to a Monkeypox case in the last 14 days.
• You have had 2 or more sexual partners in the last 14 days.
• You have had direct or extended intimate physical contact in the last 14 days with someone who has tested positive for Monkeypox.
• You had anonymous sex within the last 14 days.
• You work in health care and have had unprotected exposure to Monkeypox.

VACCINATION
Monkeypox vaccine will be given through Student Health and Priority Care during Phase 1. As more vaccine becomes available, we will broaden the eligibility criteria (phase 2). Further instructions for sign-up are forthcoming. A few things about the vaccine:
• 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 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.

PREVENTION
There are number of ways to prevent the spread of Monkeypox, including:
• 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

TESTING
• Students should contact HSC Student Health at 817-735-5051 if exposed or experiencing symptoms
• Employees should contact Priority Care at 817-735-2273 or their PCP if exposed or experiencing symptoms

Thank you for your patience, stay tuned for more information and stay safe!

– Jessica Maack Rangel, MS, RN, FNAP
Executive Vice President Health Systems