State Department of Health Updates New Yorkers On Monkeypox Response Strategy

NYSDOH Issues Eligibility for Initial Jynneos Vaccine Distribution, In Accordance With CDC Guidance

All New Yorkers Should Learn About Monkeypox to Protect Themselves and Prevent Spread

Visit health.ny.gov/monkeypox

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 7, 2022) – The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) today updated New Yorkers on its strategic response to the current monkeypox outbreak. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, NYSDOH released vaccine eligibility for the initial doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine from the federal government, prioritizing communities with the highest level of need. As vaccine supply remains limited, the Department urges New Yorkers to stay informed about monkeypox and the protective public health precautions everyone should take. NYSDOH continues to proactively communicate with providers and local county health departments, expand access to resources, and encourages increased testing and treatment of suspected monkeypox cases.

"From the start, the Department launched a swift, coordinated response to address the monkeypox outbreak in New York," State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. "Now that we have received an initial batch of the JYNNEOS vaccine for community distribution, we will get this limited supply to those who are most at risk, while advocating for more. As we expand our public education efforts, we will continue to provide the infrastructure, guidance, and resources for local county health departments, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations statewide, so together, we can protect our communities against monkeypox and mitigate spread."

In the United States and New York, there is currently a limited supply of the JYNNEOS vaccine, though more is expected in the weeks and months ahead. New York State is committed to an equitable distribution of vaccine, and eligibility for this first batch is focused on individuals with known or likely exposure in areas with the highest number of cases. Based on CDC guidance, and in working with local public health authorities including the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH), statewide eligibility currently includes the following New Yorkers:

  • Individuals with recent exposure to monkeypox within the past 14 days.
  • Those at high risk of a recent exposure to monkeypox, including members of the gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming community and other communities of men who have sex with men and who have engaged in intimate or skin-to-skin contact with others in the past 14 days areas where monkeypox is spreading.
  • Individuals who have had skin-to-skin contact with someone in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity, including men who have sex with men who meet partners through an online website, digital application ("app"), or social event, such as a bar or party.

Of the 56,000 doses of vaccine currently available nationwide, 8,195 have been allocated to New York State by the federal government, with 5,989 doses going to New York City. Of the remaining 2,206 doses, 750 will be distributed to Suffolk County, 450 to Westchester County, 400 to Nassau County, 300 to Saratoga County, and 40 each to Rockland and Sullivan counties. 226 doses will be used by NYSDOH to distribute to close contacts of known cases, healthcare workers who are exposed on the job, and as they are needed elsewhere throughout the State. Over the coming days and week, local county health departments, who will administer the vaccine directly, will establish their own appointment processes. The Department is aware that demand for doses in this first distribution is likely to be high relative to supply. More doses will be needed from the federal government to meet the prevention needs of our residents, with additional allocations anticipated in the coming weeks and months.

New Yorkers with known exposure to a suspected or confirmed monkeypox case in the past 14 days should work with a healthcare provider or their local county health department to determine eligibility for the JYNNEOS vaccine.

In addition to a vaccine distribution strategy, NYSDOH has launched a comprehensive public education campaign to get monkeypox information directly to New Yorkers. This includes paid, digital advertising to reach men who have sex with men and the creation of a dedicated website with the latest information on monkeypox. The website has free, downloadable materials including a palm card, information card, handout, and posters available in both English and Spanish. NYSDOH has already distributed these resources to LGBTQ+ organizations, local county health departments, healthcare providers, and businesses. The posters will be on display at congregate settings statewide, including healthcare centers, mass transit hubs, parks, rest stops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Monkeypox is a rare, viral infection that does not usually cause serious illness. Although the current strain of monkeypox that is circulating in the U.S. is rarely fatal, symptoms can be extremely painful, and people might have permanent scarring resulting from the rash. At this time, there have been no deaths associated with the current outbreak.

Anyone can get monkeypox, which is primarily spread through close, physical contact between people. Based on the current outbreak, certain populations are being affected more than others, including men who have sex with men. Information from previous outbreaks around the world indicate that elderly New Yorkers, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant people, and children under 8 years of age may be at heightened risk for severe outcomes. As of July 6, 2022, a total of 128 confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox cases-a designation established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-have been identified with 119 in New York City, 5 in Westchester County, 1 in Sullivan County, 1 in Chemung County, 1 in Rockland County and 1 in Suffolk County.

All New Yorkers can protect themselves and prevent the spread of monkeypox in their communities:

  • Ask sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptoms consistent with monkeypox.
  • Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other monkeypox-related symptoms.
  • Contact a healthcare provider following exposure or symptoms, and check with your local county health department about vaccine eligibility.
  • New Yorkers who receive the JYNNEOS vaccine should receive both doses, given four-weeks apart, and stay vigilant until fully vaccinated, two weeks following the second dose.
  • If you or your healthcare provider suspect you may have monkeypox, isolate at home. If you can, stay in a separate area from other family members and pets.
  • Follow reputable sources of health information, including NYSDOH, CDC, and your local county health department.

Learn more about monkeypox at health.ny.gov/monkeypox.