Virginia Beach Health Department to Host Free Monkeypox Vaccination Clinic Oct. 13

The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health will host a FREE Monkeypox vaccination clinic on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 4-7 p.m. at MJ's Tavern, 4019 Granby St.

Monkeypox is a rare contagious rash illness caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus is in the same family of viruses as the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox causes milder illness than smallpox, but some symptoms can be severe. The monkeypox virus can spread from animal to person and from person to person.

The risk to the general public is considered low at this time. Anyone can get and spread monkeypox; however, it is spread by close contact with an infected person. The highest risk activity at present is sex with multiple or anonymous partners. Avoiding these activities greatly reduces your risk of catching or spreading monkeypox.

Monkeypox can spread from person to person through:

• Sexual or intimate contact (including oral, anal, and vaginal sex)
• Hugging, kissing, cuddling, and massage
• Sharing a bed, sharing a towel, or sharing clothes that have not been washed

In Virginia, a two-dose series of a monkeypox vaccine (JYNNEOS) is recommended for individuals who identify with any of the following groups. As of Sept. 26, the eligibility requirements for Expanded PEP will be as follows:

• All people, of any sexual orientation or gender, who have had anonymous or multiple (more than one) sexual partners in the last two weeks; or
• Sex workers (of any sexual orientation or gender); or
• Staff (of any sexual orientation or gender) at establishments or events where sexual activity occurs (such as bathhouses, sex clubs); or
• People of any sexual orientation or gender who:
  • Are living with HIV/AIDS
  • Has been diagnosed with any sexually transmitted infection in the past three months
    

Appointments are encouraged; however, walk-ins will be accepted. Visit the link below to schedule your appointment time:

Thursday, Oct. 13, from 4-7 p.m.
MJ's Tavern, 4019 Granby St.

For more information on monkeypox vaccines, visit the VDH website at vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "Monkeypox" website at www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html.

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NOTE: Members of the media are not permitted inside the clinic when patients are present. Members of the media may respectfully approach clinic patients outside of the clinic and talk to them if they provide consent. Media members who do not comply may be asked to leave the site. Interview requests should be sent to robert.engle@vdh.virginia.gov at least 24 hours in advance if possible.