Governor Kathy Hochul, along with the New York State Department of Health, today announced the distribution of the JYNNEOS vaccine in New York, following an additional allocation of 8,822 doses to the state. of New York by the federal government. New York City will receive its own allocation of 23,963 doses directly from the federal government.
“New York continues to face a disproportionate number of monkeypox cases,” Governor Hochul said. “I would like to thank President Biden, Dr. Jha and other administration officials for their partnership in securing additional vaccines for our state. Although domestic supply remains limited, we will continue our efforts to meet this challenge. to this outbreak with the urgency necessary to ensure that New York receives its fair share of vaccines and protects our most vulnerable communities.”
In this phase of vaccine distribution (“2B”), NYSDOH has allocated 2,000 of its doses to New York, given the high number of cases concentrated in the region. The remainder of the state allocation will be distributed to counties based on the number of monkeypox cases in their locality, proximity to New York City and ability to reach vaccine-eligible New Yorkers. It is recommended that all doses in this distribution be given as the first dose of the two-dose vaccine series. While vaccine supplies remain limited, more vaccines are expected in the coming weeks and months to ensure New Yorkers receive the two doses needed to be considered fully vaccinated.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said: “We continue to work with our federal partners to advocate for the vaccine supply New York needs, while ensuring that health care providers and local county health departments in New York have the advice, resources and infrastructure they need New Yorkers should stay informed about monkeypox, including symptoms – such as common rashes – how the virus spreads and what to do after exposure. you have a rash, learn about treatment on our website and contact a health care provider.
NYSDOH is committed to ensuring equitable distribution of vaccines and, as it has done since Phase 1, eligibility remains centered on people with known or likely exposure in areas with the lowest number of cases. higher. In accordance with CDC guidelines advising post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for the current Monkeypox outbreak, those already exposed or likely to have been exposed are prioritized in state allocation by county.
Eligibility includes the following New Yorkers:
- People with recent exposure to monkeypox within the past 14 days.
- Individuals at high risk of recent exposure to monkeypox, including members of the gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming community and other communities of men who have sex with men who have had contact intimate or skin-to-skin contact with others in the past 14 days in areas where monkeypox is spreading.
- People who have had skin-to-skin contact with someone on a social network with monkeypox, including men who have sex with men who meet partners through an online website, app digital (“app”) or social event, such as a bar or party.
Of the 8,822 doses allocated to New York State by the federal government, 1,000 will be distributed to Nassau County, 1,800 to Suffolk County, 2,600 to Westchester County, 600 to Erie County, 600 to Monroe County and 300 to Saratoga County – although 100 of Saratoga County’s 300 doses will be drawn from doses previously reserved by NYSDOH (from Phase “2A”). Albany County, which just announced its first case, will receive 40 doses and 2,000 doses will be allocated to New York.
In addition to vaccine distribution, NYSDOH has launched an extensive public education campaign to provide information about monkeypox 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 offers free downloadable materials including a palm map, information map, handouts and posters available in English and Spanish. Just last week, Governor Hochul and NYSDOH launched a new SMS text messaging effort to get information about monkeypox to New Yorkers, including the ability to sign up for location-based messages that can include the availability of vaccines and care in areas of New Yorkers.
Anyone can get monkeypox, which is spread mainly through close physical contact between people. Based on the current epidemic, some populations are more affected than others, including men who have sex with men. Information from previous outbreaks around the world indicates that older New Yorkers, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and children under age 8 may be at increased risk for serious outcomes.
All New Yorkers can protect themselves and prevent the spread of monkeypox in their communities:
- Ask your sexual partners if they have a rash or other symptoms consistent with monkeypox.
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash or other symptoms related to monkeypox.
- Contact a health care provider after exposure or symptoms, and check with your local county health department for vaccine eligibility.
- New Yorkers who receive the JYNNEOS vaccine should receive both doses, given four weeks apart, and remain vigilant until fully vaccinated, two weeks after the second dose.
- If you or your healthcare provider suspect you may have monkeypox, isolate yourself at home. If you can, stay in a separate area from other family members and pets.
- Follow trusted sources for health information, including NYSDOH, CDC, and your local county health department.
New Yorkers can sign up for the text campaign by texting “MONKEYPOX” to 81336 or “MONKEYPOXESP” for texts in Spanish. New Yorkers will be able to provide their zip code to sign up for location-based messaging, if they wish.
For more information about monkeypox, including case counts by county, treatment, and care, visit health.ny.gov/monkeypox.
New Yorkers can learn more about New York State’s first federal vaccine allocation here and the second (“2A”) allocation here.
