Monkeypox Vaccine To Be Offered To Limited Groups In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Alexandria Health Department is now taking registrations for the monkeypox vaccine for Virginia residents who meet certain criteria.

Moneypox is a virus with symptoms similar to smallpox but usually less mild. The first case of monkeypox was reported in 1970. While the illness is normally contained to central and west Africa often near tropical rainforests, an outbreak is affecting the U.S. in 2022. As of Monday, there are 72 reported cases in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health. On Saturday, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox as a global health emergency.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,monkeypox is mostly spreading through close, intimate contact with a person infected with monkeypox. Symptoms can last two to four weeks and may include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash that appears like pimples or blisters on the face, inside the mouth or other parts of the body. Symptoms may show up five days after infection or as late as 21 days later. The CDC noted monkeypox rarely causes death.

There are two FDA-approved vaccines to prevent monkeypox infection or reduce symptoms if given between four to 14 days after exposure. Due to limited supply, the Alexandria Health Department will initially prioritize vaccines for high-risk adults living in Virginia.

These eligible Virginia residents include gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and have had multiple sexual partners, transgender women and nonbinary persons who were male at birth who have sex with men and have had multiple sexual partners, sex workers, staff of establishments where sexual activity occurs, and those who attend venues where sexual activity happens, such as sex clubs.

Eligible individuals may fill out a form to express interest in a monkeypox vaccine. The Alexandria Health Department will make appointments available as supply allows.

While the Alexandria Health Department says the overall risk to the public is low, residents should call their doctor if they experience an unexplained skin rash with or without fever or chills. Those without insurance may contact the Alexandria Health Department for guidance at 703-746-4988.

Here are some CDC tips for preventing the spread of monkeypox:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
• If you are sick with monkeypox, isolate at home. If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay ina room separate from others when possible. Wash hands often with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

For more information, see the Virginia Department of Health or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monkeypox web pages.