Monkeypox Vaccine Eligibility Expands Again In VA, Cases Near 500

VIRGINIA — On Monday, the Virginia Department of Health expanded eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine as statewide cases near 500.

Newly eligible people include people of any gender or sexual orientation who have HIV or AIDs or those who have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection in the last three months. Other eligible groups include people with anonymous or multiple partners in the past two weeks, sex workers, and staff at establishments or events where sexual activity occurs.

"[Virginia Department of Health] is taking this step to expand eligibility for the JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine to ensure as many people at high risk of contracting this disease who want to get vaccinated can do so if they choose," said State Health Commissioner Colin Greene in a statement. "Maximizing effectiveness of prevention and treatment against monkeypox now is our best chance to keep it from becoming entrenched in the United States."

As of Monday, there were 464 reported monkeypox cases in Virginia. Over half of these cases — 249 — come from Northern Virginia, which include the Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Health Districts. There have been 21 cases with hospitalizations to date.

The last time vaccine eligibility was expanded in late August, there were 295 monkeypox cases in Virginia with 183 being in Northern Virginia.

Virginia has eligibility criteria for the JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine due to limited supply. As of Monday, 9,860 first doses of the two-dose series and 4,948 second doses have been administered in Virginia.

"Because we are still learning about the vaccine’s effectiveness in the current outbreak, vaccinated individuals should continue to take steps to protect themselves from infection," the health department said in a news release.

Eligible residents can seek the vaccine through their local health department. In Northern Virginia, the health departments are the Alexandria Health Department, Arlington County Health Department, Fairfax County Health Department, Loudoun County Health Department and Prince William County Health Department. In the Fredericksburg area, see the Rappahannock Area Health Department. The Fairfax County Health Department covers Fairfax County, towns within the county, and cities of Falls Church and Fairfax. The Prince William County Health Department covers Prince William County and towns within and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.

About Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a contagious rash illness similar to smallpox but with milder symptoms. According to the Virginia Department of Health, it spreads through close contact with an infected person. This close contact can include touching skin lesions, bodily fluids, or clothing or linens in contact with an infected person and prolonged face-to-face contact. The health department says it does not spread from walking past an infected person or casual conversation.

The risk to the general public remains low, as people infected with monkeypox generally report they've had sex with multiple partners or anonymous sex. Many affected by the global outbreak of monkeypox have been gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men, according to the Virginia Department of Health. In Virginia, 443 of the 464 monkeypox cases are among men.

"The highest risk activity currently is having sex with multiple or anonymous partners; avoiding these activities greatly reduces one’s risk of catching or spreading monkeypox," the health department says.

Symptoms may include a rash that can initially look like pimples or blisters, fever, chills, swollen lymph codes, exhaustion, muscle aches, backache, headache, and respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat or cough, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some experience flu-like symptoms before the rash, while some get the rash first or experience no other symptoms besides the rash. Those who experience a rash that may be monkeypox can contact their health care provider about testing.

Symptoms start within three weeks of exposure and last two to four weeks, according to the CDC. The health department says most cases are resolved without treatment.

For more guidance on monkeypox, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox.