The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now allows individuals who are at risk for monkeypox to receive the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine, instead of only individuals who had known or suspected exposure to the virus.
“These vaccines have been critical in reducing the spread of monkeypox here in our community and protecting people from the severe pain the virus can cause,” Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes said in a press release. “We encourage anyone who believes they may be at risk to see if they're eligible for a vaccine and schedule an appointment.”
APH has been offering the vaccine since late June, based on criteria set by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the CDC, according to the press release. As those criteria have expanded, more people at risk for severe symptoms from monkeypox are now eligible to receive a vaccine.
Travis County residents can visit Wellness Equity Alliance online, which APH partnered with to distribute the vaccine, to determine eligibility and schedule an appointment for a vaccine.
The vaccine is given in two doses, and individuals who have only received one should follow up with the second shot to reach full protection, according to APH.
For assistance, residents can call the APH Equity Line at 512-972-5560.
APH distributed 3,974 vials of the Jynneos vaccines to the community through partner organizations, according to the release.
APH confirmed the first female case of monkeypox in late September. As of Sept. 30, 186 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in the county, according to APH’s online tracker.
Information on symptoms, including examples of the rash caused by monkeypox, and safety precautions can be found here.
