Monkeypox Vaccine Clinic This Thursday, Friday In Mercer County

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — The Mercer County Division of Public Health (MCDoPH) will be hosting a monkeypox vaccine clinic on Thursday and Friday in Trenton.

Appointments are recommended, and walk-ins may be accommodated. Thursday's clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday's clinic is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For information on location and scheduling call MCDoPH at 609-503-9893. All appointments and personal information will be kept confidential.

The following people are eligible to take the monkeypox vaccine, according to the NJ Department of Health:

• People who have known contact with someone who tested positive for orthopoxvirus or monkeypox virus within the past 14 days.
• People who attended an event or social gathering where monkeypox exposure occurred within the past 14 days or who plan to attend an event or social gathering where monkeypox exposure is likely — such events would include those where close skin-to-skin contact or intimate contact will occur in an area where monkeypox is circulating.
• People with multiple sexual partners, or who have a partner that has multiple sexual partners.
• Anyone who attests to their eligibility (by meeting any of the above criteria) is eligible for vaccination.

According to the Health Department, the monkeypox virus can cause flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that often begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. Monkeypox does not spread easily between people unless there is close contact.

However, monkeypox can be painful, and the rash can leave permanent scars.

How Monkeypox spreads:

• Primarily spread through close contact with someone already infected with monkeypox
• Touching items such as clothing or linens used by someone with monkeypox
• Pregnant women can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

The clinic is being held in partnership with the City of Trenton Health Department.

For those who are unable to participate in either of the two clinics, additional dates and times are also available through the City of Trenton Health Department at 609-989-3242 x 115.

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