Department of Health to hold monkeypox vaccine clinic

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. » Saratoga County officials announced the opening of a temporary clinic to administer the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine to eligible people who may have had recent exposure to monkeypox.

Getting vaccinated shortly after exposure reduces the risk of developing monkeypox and can reduce symptoms for those who do get it.

There are currently no reported cases of monkeypox in Saratoga County. This vaccine clinic is a proactive step ahead of the upcoming summer tourist season.

Saratoga County Department of Health received 300 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine from New York state. The state specified Saratoga County as a high tourist destination that may see an influx of visitors from areas that are currently seeing increased cases of monkeypox.

The vaccine clinic will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12 and from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13 at the Saratoga County Department of Health Offices at 6012 County Farm Rd. in Ballston Spa.

An appointment is required. New York state has established a link for people to make appointments. Those who receive the vaccine will be scheduled for a follow-up visit for their second dose.

In accordance with New York state eligibility guidelines, those eligible to make an appointment for vaccine include: all gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (cisgender or transgender) ages 18 and older who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days or recent exposure to monkeypox in the last 14 days.

Men who have sex or other intimate, skin-to-skin, contact with men they met through dating apps or social media platforms, or at clubs, raves, sex parties, saunas, or other large gatherings may be at higher risk of having been recently exposed.

Anyone can get and spread monkeypox, but most cases in the current outbreak are among gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men. The monkeypox virus is most often spread through direct contact with

a rash or sores of someone who has the virus. It can also spread through contact with clothing, bedding, and other items used by a person with monkeypox, or from respiratory droplets that can be passed in prolonged close contact.

Transmission can occur during sex or other close physical contact.

Symptoms of monkeypox usually start seven to 14 days after exposure but may not appear for up to 21 days. The most common symptom is a rash or sores that can look like pimples or blisters. These may be all over the body or just in certain parts, such as the face, hands, feet, mouth, genitals or anus. Before or at the same time the rash or sores appear, some people have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and tiredness.

In some cases, monkeypox can cause severe illness. A person is contagious until all sores have healed, and a new layer of skin has formed, which can take two to four weeks.

To reduce the chance of getting or spreading monkeypox, people should not engage in sex or other close physical contact (such as touching, massage or kissing) if they or their partner(s) are sick and especially if someone has a new or unexpected rash or sores anywhere on the body.

It is also advised to avoid gatherings and direct contact with others feeling unwell or experiencing a rash or sores, and to wash any hands, sex toys, and bedding before and after sex or other intimate activities.

Everyone can protect themselves and prevent the spread of monkeypox in their communities. Here are some tips how:

• Ask sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptoms consistent with monkeypox.

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other monkey-poxrelated symptoms.

• Contact a healthcare provider following exposure or symptoms and check with the local county health department about vaccine eligibility.

• New Yorkers who receive the JYNNEOS vaccine should receive both doses, given four weeks apart, and stay vigilant until fully vaccinated, two weeks following the second dose.

• If you or your healthcare provider suspect you may have monkeypox, isolate at home. If you can, stay in a separate area from other family members and pets.

• Follow reputable sources of health information, including Saratoga County Department of Health, New York State Department of Health, and the CDC.

The JYNNEOS vaccine has been licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of monkeypox in people ages 18 and older. The vaccine requires two doses, four weeks apart.

For more information, the New York State Department of Health has created a website for eligible adults considering vaccination so that they can better understand their personal level of risk, available online at www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/monkeypox/.

The Saratoga County Department of Health has created a monkeypox resource center on its webpage at www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/health/ monkeypox-resource-center/ with information and links to make a vaccine appointment.