Monkeypox vaccine application forms Central Shenandoah Health District – The News Leader
STAUNTON – Individuals who live or spend time in the Central Shenandoah Health District can now complete an interest form for the monkeypox vaccine, JYNNEOS, according to a press release.
The district will begin to vaccinate individuals who may be at higher risk of monkeypox exposure. In order to gauge community interest and to determine who might be at higher risk, the health department has created an optional survey interest form for community members.
Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus that can result in a rash or lesions and is spread through close person to person contact. Anyone can get and spread monkeypox. Close contact includes touching skin lesions, bodily fluids, or clothing/linens that have been in contact with an infected person. Spread can also occur during prolonged, face-to-face contact, as well as sexual or intimate contact. At present, the highest risk activity is having sex with multiple or anonymous partners, according to Central Shenandoah Health District.
A limited supply of vaccines are being offered in Virginia to people with certain risk factors that increase their likelihood of becoming exposed to monkeypox, the release said. Because vaccination supply remains limited, vaccination is not guaranteed by filling out the interest form.
“At this time, widespread vaccination is not recommended or necessary for most people in our health district,” said Dr. Elaine Perry, Interim Director of the Central Shenandoah Health District. “Our staff will contact individuals who filled out the interest form and are at high risk to further determine eligibility. Completing the interest form is not a guarantee that a vaccine will be available.”
THE BUZZ:Hops Kitchen location in Waynesboro; Job starter program — The buzz
More:Sheriff’s office receives grant to add resource officers in Augusta County Schools
Monkeypox vaccine eligibility
According to Central Shenandoah Health District’s monkeypox vaccine interest form, vaccination is recommended for people who meet any of the following criteria:
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and have had multiple (e.g. more than 1) or anonymous sexual partners within the last 14 days; or
- Transgender women and nonbinary persons assigned male at birth who have sex with men and have had multiple (e.g. more than 1) or anonymous sexual partners within the last 14 days; or
- Sex workers (of any orientation or gender) within the last 14 days; or
- Staff (of any orientation or gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs (e.g. bathhouses, sex clubs) within the last 14 days; or
- Persons (of any orientation or gender) who attend sex-on-premises venues (e.g. bathhouses, sex clubs) within the last 14 days.
Currently there is not sufficient vaccine available for everyone who meets these criteria, the form notes. You will still need to register for an appointment when the opportunity to sign up is made available.Notification will be made via text message and email (if available) when an appointment is available.
Interested individuals can fill out this form. If you need assistance filling out the form, contact your local health department.
For more information about monkeypox, visit: vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox and vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/monkeypox/.
Central Shenandoah Health District includes the cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, Lexington and Buena Vista and the counties of Rockingham, Augusta, Rockbridge, Bath and Highland.