Another 1,000 first dose appointments will be online at 6pm
Federal government announces that NYC will receive additional doses next week
July 15, 2022 — There are now 461 smallpox cases in the city, which represents more than 30% of the CDC’s reported smallpox cases. New York City is the epicenter of the smallpox outbreak in the US and still doesn’t have enough vaccine supplies to reach the number of people who need to protect themselves. Given the rapid increase in cases, the Department of Health has decided that providing the first doses to offer protection to New Yorkers at risk is the best strategy until we receive an adequate supply of vaccines. This single-dose strategy is consistent with the monkeypox vaccine delivery strategy adopted in the UK and Canada.
This decision is based on the available scientific evidence, the accelerated outbreak, the high number of eligible people and the demand for vaccines, and the extreme shortage of the JYNNEOS™ vaccine nationally. In many cases, this means that individuals may not receive a second dose within the 28-day interval between doses as indicated on the FDA prescription label. Despite the delay, this should not affect the immune response to the second dose.
Approximately 14,500 doses arrived this week from the federal government, and starting this weekend, the Department will administer these doses at mass vaccination sites and clinics in all five districts.
We will continue to advocate more offer. We appreciate the federal government’s announcement that more vaccine will arrive in New York next week, but that still won’t be enough. So, until there is enough supply in the city, all vaccine doses will be treated as first doses, and we will only start scheduling second dose appointments when we have enough vaccine for that. The Department will communicate to people who have received their first doses when second doses will be available and how to receive them.
New Yorkers can sign up for text notifications to receive alerts about monkeypox in New York, including appointment releases, by texting MONKEYPOX to 692692 or MONKEYPOXESP for alerts in Spanish. Data and message fees may apply.
In addition to the vaccine, preventive measures offer some level of protection. This includes avoiding close physical contact if you are sick, especially if you have a new or unexpected rash or sore. For those who choose to have sex while they are sick, it is best to avoid kissing and other face-to-face contact. In addition, wounds should be covered with clothing or sealed bandages. This can help reduce – but not eliminate – the risk of transmission. Cleaning of hands, sex toys and bedding is advised before and after sex or other intimate activities. When making plans, New Yorkers must consider the level of risk. Having sex or other intimate contact with multiple people or anonymous people (such as those who met through social media, dating apps, or at parties) can increase the risk of exposure.
For recent data, guidance, and information on monkeypox, see the Department of Health’s monkeypox page.
The city will announce its distribution plans for the additional doses scheduled to arrive next week as details are finalized.
MEDIA CONTACT: Patrick Gallahue / Michael Lanza,PressOffice@health.nyc.gov
