NYSDOH Issues Eligibility for Initial Jynneos Vaccine Distribution, In Accordance With CDC Guidance
All New Yorkers Should Learn About Monkeypox to Protect Themselves and Prevent Spread
Visit health.ny.gov/monkeypox
ALBANY, NY (July 7, 2022) — The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) today briefed New Yorkers on its strategic response to the current monkeypox outbreak. In accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NYSDOH has released the vaccine’s suitability for initial doses of JYNNEOS vaccine from the federal government, prioritizing communities with the highest need. Read also : The Health Effects of Hookahs – News Center – The University of Texas at Arlington. As vaccine supplies remain limited, the Department is urging New Yorkers to stay informed about monkeypox and the protective public health precautions everyone should take. NYSDOH continues to proactively communicate with healthcare providers and local health departments, expand access to resources, and encourage more testing and treatment of suspected monkeypox cases.
“From the outset, the Department launched a swift, coordinated response to address the monkeypox outbreak in New York,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T Bassett. “Now that we have received a first batch of the JYNNEOS vaccine for community distribution, we will get this limited supply to those most at risk while advocating for more. As we expand our public education efforts , we will provide infrastructure, guidance and resources for local health departments, providers and community organizations across the state so that together we can protect our communities from monkeypox and reduce its spread.”
There is currently limited supply of the JYNNEOS vaccine in the United States and New York, although more is expected in the coming weeks and months. New York State is committed to equitable distribution of vaccines, and eligibility for this first batch is aimed at individuals with known or probable exposure in areas with the highest number of cases. Based on CDC guidelines and in conjunction with local public health authorities, including the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH), state-wide eligibility currently includes the following New Yorkers:
Of the 56,000 doses of vaccine currently available nationwide, 8,195 have been allocated by the federal government to New York State, and 5,989 doses go to New York City. Of the remaining 2,206 doses, 750 will be distributed to Suffolk County, 450 to Westchester County, 400 to Nassau County, 300 to Saratoga County and 40 each to Rockland and Sullivan counties. 226 doses will be used by NYSDOH to disseminate known cases to close contacts, health professionals exposed on the job, and when needed elsewhere in the state. In the coming days and week, the county’s local health departments, which will administer the vaccine directly, will set up their own nomination procedures. The ministry is aware that the demand for doses in this first distribution is likely to be high relative to the supply. More doses will be required from the federal government to meet the prevention needs of our residents, with additional allocations expected in the coming weeks and months.
New Yorkers with known exposure to a suspected or confirmed case of monkeypox within the past 14 days should work with a healthcare provider or their local health department to determine their eligibility for the JYNNEOS vaccine.
In addition to a vaccine distribution strategy, NYSDOH has launched an extensive public education campaign to get information about monkeypox directly to New Yorkers. This includes paid digital advertising to reach men who have sex with men and the creation of a dedicated website with the latest information on monkeypox. The website has free, downloadable materials, including a palm map, information card, handout, and posters, available in both English and Spanish. NYSDOH has already distributed these resources to LGBTQ+ organizations, local health departments, providers and businesses. The posters will be on display across the state, including health centers, public transportation hubs, parks, rest areas, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that usually does not cause serious illness. While the current strain of monkeypox circulating in the US is rarely fatal, the symptoms can be extremely painful and people can have permanent scars from the rash. There are currently no deaths associated with the current outbreak.
Anyone can get monkey pox, which is mainly spread through close, physical contact between people. Based on the current outbreak, certain populations are more affected than others, including men who have sex with men. Information from past outbreaks around the world indicates that elderly New Yorkers, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant people and children under the age of 8 are at increased risk for serious consequences. As of July 6, 2022, a total of 128 confirmed cases of orthopoxvirus/monkeypox—a designation established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—were identified with 119 in New York City, 5 in Westchester County, 1 in Sullivan County, 1 in Chemung County, 1 in Rockland County and 1 in Suffolk County.
All New Yorkers can protect themselves and prevent the spread of monkeypox in their communities:
Learn more about monkeypox at health.ny.gov/monkeypox.
