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The Allegheny County Health Department has expanded the pool of people eligible for monkeypox vaccines.
The county, in keeping with the national vaccine shortage, has previously limited distribution to a narrow range of candidates. But according to a press release issued today, it will now follow the initial eligibility requirements for pre-exposure prophylaxis, a drug that protects against HIV infection, to distribute the JYNNEOS smallpox vaccine.
This means vaccines will be available for:
- Men who have sex with men AND who also have multiple (2+) or anonymous sexual partners
- Women who have sex with men who have sex with men AND who also have multiple (2+) anonymous sexual partners
- Transgender, gender nonconforming, and gender nonbinary people who have multiple (2+) anonymous sexual partners
Those who qualified for the vaccine before this latest expansion remain eligible, the health department says, including “people who had high-risk exposure to someone diagnosed with monkeypox during the previous 14 days or those who experienced a high probability of exposure in the previous 14 days. Eligible people also included sex workers.”
“Allegheny County’s allocation of the JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine has allowed the Department of Health and its partners to vaccinate those most at risk of contracting monkeypox, to this point,” explains the Dr. Barbara Nightingale, ACHD Assistant Clinical Services. “After working with the Department of Health and assessing the needs of our community, we believe we have enough vaccine and the need to expand eligibility.”
Community health care providers who offer the vaccine to all eligible people include Allies for Health + Wellness (5913 Penn Ave., East Liberty) and Metro Community Health Center (1789 S Braddock Ave., #410, Swissvale.)
Positive Health Clinic AHN (1307 Federal St., North Side), Infectious Disease Care Center of the UPMC, (3601 Fifth Ave., Oakland), and the Central Extension Welfare Center (127 Anderson St., Suite 101, North Side) only vaccinate current patients.
Vaccination appointments can also be made at the Immunization Clinic (425 First Ave., Downtown) by calling 412-578-8062. Visitors are also welcome.
County health officials say they will continue to work with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to expand vaccine eligibility and clinic locations as more vaccines become available from the federal government.
In the meantime, the department emphasizes the importance of testing and vaccination as the most important tools to stop the spread of the virus.
The health department also encourages those who suspect smallpox exposure or have developed smallpox to get tested at Allegheny County emergency rooms, urgent care centers or appropriately equipped doctor’s offices. Residents are encouraged to contact their primary care provider if they are interested in getting tested for monkeypox.
Residents who do not have a primary care provider can be tested at the county’s Public Health Clinic (1908 Wylie Avenue, Hill District). No prior appointment required. Clinic hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesday from noon to 7:30 p.m.
Health department nurses are available to answer questions, as well as offer guidance and resources to anyone who believes they have come into contact with monkeypox. ACHD nurses can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM by calling 412-687-2243.