Collin County expands monkeypox vaccination criteria

Collin County has expanded the criteria for people eligible to receive a monkeypox vaccination “following an increase in vaccine availability,” according to an Aug. 17 news release.

The Jynneos vaccine for monkeypox was previously only available for those who were considered high risk and had close contact with a confirmed case. It is now available for anyone within 14 days of coming in close contact with a diagnosed case.

There are also specific eligibility criteria for men who have had sexual contact with other men in the past 21 days and anyone whose sexual partner is showing symptoms of monkeypox. People diagnosed with conditions such as HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and early syphilis in the past 12 months are also eligible. Other eligible individuals include those with high-risk factors such as atopic dermatitis, eczema or anyone taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis medication.

The Texas Department of State Health Services received additional doses of the Jynneos vaccine, according to an Aug. 16 news release. The release also indicated additional doses may not be available until November.

North Texas has 525 reported cases throughout the Public Health regions 2 and 3, according to the state health officials. Earlier this month, Dallas County issued an emergency declaration in a bid to help slow the spread of the monkeypox virus. Collin County has not followed suit.

"At this time, Collin County does not need to issue a disaster declaration. Our health department is well positioned to respond to the current monkeypox situation," said Candy Blair, Collin County public health director, in an Aug. 9 statement.

As of Aug. 9, Collin County Health Care Services has identified 14 cases of monkeypox in the county and “has already contacted each individual and their direct contacts,” according to the release.

For more information on eligibility and scheduling a vaccine appointment, visit the Collin County Healthcare Services website. More information about monkeypox is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and the DSHS website.