A monkeypox vaccine is available in Mississippi for those at high-risk – Clarion Ledger
Limited supplies of the monkeypox vaccine are available in Mississippi for high-risk individuals, the The Mississippi State Department of Health announced Thursday.
In making the announcement, Dr. Paul Byers, a state epidemiologist, said anyone can get the virus, but most cases are among those who are gay or bisexual.
“Anyone who is exposed to monkeypox through close person-to-person or intimate contact … can become infected,” Byers said. “Most of the cases being seen in this outbreak are among individuals who are gay, bisexual.”
The news came as The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a new total of 11 cases of monkeypox detected in Mississippi on Thursday, Aug.11, and 10,768 cases nationwide.
According to MSDH, the vaccine is available by appointment only at local county health department clinics such as Lee, Panola, Leflore, Lowndes, Lauderdale, Adams, Hinds, Forrest and Harrison county.
“The two-dose vaccine is only available to those who are at highest risk for potential exposure to monkeypox,” officials said.
Individuals 18 years or older may be eligible for vaccination if they:
- Have been notified or are aware of close intimate or sexual contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox, or
- Identify as gay, bisexual, transgender or other men who have sex with men, who report having had multiple or anonymous sex partners, or having attended an event or venue where monkeypox may have been transmitted (for example, by skin-to-skin contact or sex on-site).
“If you develop a new or unexplained rash, especially if you have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox, call the Monkeypox Call Center at 1-877-978-6453 to determine your eligibility and a make vaccination appointment at one of the participating health department clinics,” MSDH stated.
For more information on monkeypox, visit the Mississippi State Department of Health.