WASHINGTON, DC – Given the rapid increase in cases and the very limited supply of vaccines, DC Health has decided that the most urgent priority is to provide the first doses of vaccine to high-risk residents. This single-dose strategy is consistent with the monkeypox vaccine delivery strategies used in the UK and Canada, as well as in New York City. DC Health reports that there are currently 172 smallpox cases in the district, representing the highest number of cases per capita in the United States.
This decision is based on the available scientific evidence, the acceleration of the outbreak, the vaccine demand from the high number of eligible people, and the extreme shortage of JYNNEOS™ Monkeypox vaccine nationally.
This prioritization allowed DC Health to issue more than 5,000 additional invitations on Saturday to high-risk district residents to receive their first dose of vaccine. This is extremely important because vaccinating more people with the first dose will help us to contain the virus. In addition, studies have shown that the monkeypox vaccine is effective for at least six months after the first dose. DC Health is confident that additional doses of vaccine will be available when needed for those who have received their first dose.
DC Health will continue to send out invitations to receive the monkeypox vaccine as doses become available. Additionally, we are working with community partners to host targeted pop-up clinics to ensure we reach all eligible populations across the city.
Individuals who have already received their first dose of vaccination through DC Health’s extended post-exposure prophylaxis (ePEP) program will be notified that their second dose vaccination appointment has been temporarily postponed. We will contact these individuals and notify them when they are able to reschedule their appointments. This strategy depends on receiving sufficient additional doses from the federal government. Individuals who have a weakened immune system (caused by something like HIV infection, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer) will remain eligible to receive a second dose of the smallpox vaccine and will receive more scheduling details.
Smallpox vaccinations are confidential and district residents can pre-register for smallpox vaccination appointments by visiting preventmonkeypox.dc.gov. We will continue to advocate for more vaccine delivery so that we can deliver the first and second doses to all at-risk DC residents.
In partnership with the Washington Blade, DC Health will participate in a monkeypox town hall event tonight, July 25, from 7pm to 9pm at the Eaton Hotel located at 1201 K St. NW
