NewsDesk @bactiman63

As of July 8, 160 people in New York City have tested positive for orthopoxvirus. All cases are likely monkeypox, according to city health officials.

Image/CDC

Most of these people have had mild illness, have not been hospitalized and have recovered on their own.

The New York City Health Department outlined information concerning the vaccine, eligibility and how to get vaccinated recently:

Eligible New Yorkers who may have been recently exposed to monkeypox can get the JYNNEOSTM vaccine. This vaccine has been approved by the FDA for the prevention of monkeypox in people ages 18 and older.

Getting vaccinated after a recent exposure reduces the chance of you getting monkeypox, and it can reduce symptoms if you do get it.

People should get two doses, at least four weeks apart. It takes time for your body to build protection from the vaccine. You will start to build protection after your first dose. You will have full immunity from the vaccine two weeks after the second dose.

Vaccination is free and available regardless of immigration status.

Vaccine Eligibility

Eligibility for monkeypox vaccination may change as the outbreak evolves and based on vaccine supply.

People who meet all of the following conditions can now be vaccinated:

  • Gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men, and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary
  • Age 18 or older
  • Have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days

People who have been informed by the Health Department that they are a close contact of someone with monkeypox should also get vaccinated.

If you are eligible to be vaccinated, you should especially consider getting vaccinated if:

  • Your partners are showing symptoms of monkeypox, such as a rash or sores.
  • You met recent partners through online applications or social media platforms (such as Grindr, Tinder or Scruff), or at clubs, raves, sex parties, saunas or other large gatherings.
  • You have a condition that may increase your risk for severe disease if infected with monkeypox virus, such as HIV or another condition that weakens your immune system, or you have a history of atopic dermatitis or eczema.

How to Get Vaccinated

Vaccine supply is currently low. Appointments will be made available on a rolling basis and based on available supply.

If you have been informed by the Health Department that you are a close contact of someone who has monkeypox, we will provide you with instructions about where to get vaccinated. Do not make a vaccination appointment yourself.

People vaccinated at an NYC Health Department clinic will be contacted about scheduling a second dose appointment three to four weeks after they have received their first dose. Based on CDC guidance, you should get your second dose four to five weeks after the first dose. However, a second dose is still effective if you get it after five weeks.