Denton County Public Health released an online form for eligible community members to register for monkeypox vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for people exposed to monkeypox and people who may be more likely to get monkeypox.
Current eligibility for monkeypox vaccination through DCPH includes:
- Individuals who had known contact with an individual who tested positive for monkeypox within the previous 14 days
- A man who has sex with men and has had multiple or anonymous sexual partners in the previous 14 days
- Individuals who had a sexual partner in the previous 14 days who was showing symptoms of monkeypox at time of intimate contact, such as a rash or sores
- Individuals with a diagnosis of HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or early syphilis within the previous 12 months
- Individuals who are on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Vaccine supply is currently limited. At this time, DCPH will offer vaccination to Denton County residents. Individuals who reside outside Denton County should contact their local or regional health department regarding vaccine eligibility and availability.
Monkeypox vaccination is recommended to prevent infection in individuals exposed to the virus. People who are vaccinated should continue to take steps to protect themselves from infection by avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact, with someone who has monkeypox or symptoms of monkeypox.
Any person can contract monkeypox, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Monkeypox transmission occurs through close physical contact with someone who has monkeypox, primarily through contact with infectious sores, scabs, or bodily fluids. Anyone with a rash that looks like monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider and avoid gatherings, sex, or being intimate with anyone until they consult their healthcare provider.
To learn more or register, if eligible, please visit DentonCounty.gov/monkeypox.
Source: Denton County News Flash