UPDATE July 28, 2022: Since the posting of this blog, we announced we are opening a monkeypox vaccination clinic for two hours each weekday, starting on Monday, August 1, by appointment only. See our monkeypox page for full details. The blog below is as it was published on July 13, 2022.
Cases of monkeypox have been reported in several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. We have vaccination, testing, and treatments to help contain this outbreak. Monkeypox does not spread easily from person to person, and the virus is spreading mostly through close, intimate contact with someone who has monkeypox. As of this posting, multiple people in Wisconsin have tested positive for monkeypox, including in Dane County.
The strain of the monkeypox virus that is spreading with the current outbreak is rarely deadly. Nearly everyone who gets this form of the disease will survive. However, people with weakened immune systems, children under 8 years of age, people with a history of eczema, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be more likely to get very sick or die. While this strain is rarely deadly, the symptoms can be extremely painful, and people might have permanent scarring resulting from the rash.
In order to prevent the further spread of monkeypox in the United States, we must test and vaccinate people who may have been exposed to contain the outbreak. You can help by avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox, calling your doctor if you have a new or unexplained rash, and isolating at home if you are diagnosed with monkeypox. Some people are eligible for monkeypox vaccination. Read on to learn the details.
Yes, there are two vaccines: JYNNEOS and ACAM2000. JYNNEOS is the preferred vaccine for nearly everyone. You can read more about the differences in the vaccines on the CDC website.
In the US, there is currently a limited supply of JYNNEOS, although more is expected in the coming weeks and months.
JYNNEOS vaccine is being allocated for use for the following individuals:
Keep in mind this is a rapidly evolving situation and vaccination guidance can change. If you live in Dane County and believe you are eligible, call us at (608) 243-0556. If you live in another county, please contact your local health department.
You can get vaccinated after exposure. This is known as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis or PEP.
Certain people at high risk (for example, men who have sex with men) with a possible exposure can be vaccinated, even without a documented exposure. This is called PEP++.
Some people can also be vaccinated before exposure. This is known as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP.
Not at this time. We are only allowed to vaccinate people on a case-by-case basis.
These answers adapted from CDC’s vaccination page.
Public Health Services are available to all residents and visitors of Madison and Dane County. Citizenship is not a requirement. We provide services regardless of a person's race, color, gender/gender expression, ability, religion, sexual orientation or place of birth/place of residence.
Working with the community to enhance, protect, and promote the health of the environment and the well being of all people.