Where to Get Monkeypox Vaccine – Health experts around the world are shocked to see the spread of the monkeypox virus in developed countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, New Zealand, And France.
Most health experts and governments around the world will say that the monkeypox virus is just limited to some countries of South Africa. The outbreak of 2022 is unique as it has been spreading only in developed countries and countries where it was never recorded before.
The federal government of the United States has already announced it as a national emergency, so you need to learn everything regarding the monkeypox virus to ensure your safety along with the safety of your friends and family.
Keeping that in mind, we are here to discuss where to get the monkeypox vaccine and how you can ensure your safety with the right precautions and treatment options.
What is the monkeypox virus?
Monkeypox virus was first diagnosed in the 1950s when two colonies of monkeys kept for research purposes suddenly started showing symptoms like pox disease. It was a new virus that originated in monkeys, and that is why health experts named it as monkeypox virus.
The first case of monkeypox infection was recorded back in the 1970s in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, the monkeypox virus has been affecting some regions of Africa, but it was never diagnosed as a fresh case in any other country in the world.
The outbreak of 2022 is a very serious issue for the world as the monkeypox virus has started spreading in Western countries where sanitization measures are at their highest levels.
Vaccine for monkeypox virus
Similar to coronavirus, health experts have not found any specific treatment for monkeypox infection. If you have been infected with a virus, then your health expert might suggest that you take the vaccine for the monkeypox virus as early as possible.
Vaccines for the monkeypox virus can even benefit if the person has already been infected with the virus. Apart from that, the federal government of the United States does not have enough vaccines for the monkeypox virus to start mass vaccination drives. That is why there is an eligibility criterion that can be different in different states.
The Food and Drug Administration of the United States has already approved two different vaccines for the monkeypox virus. Currently, JYNNEOS, a US FDA-approved vaccine, is being offered to everyone. If you are being administered a similar vaccine, then you should take two vaccines in a gap of four weeks.
Eligibility of monkeypox vaccine
The word organization has not recommended the vaccine for the monkeypox virus to the general public. Till now, the Centers for Disease control and prevention is also vaccinating people who are at higher risk of getting infected or those who have recently been infected with a virus.
Your eligibility criteria to receive the monkeypox vaccine going to depend on the state government.
- First of all, people who have been infected with the virus and identified by public health officials will receive the vaccine.
- Several groups, including health care workers and laboratory workers, are also eligible to receive the monkeypox vaccine.
- If your intimate partner has been diagnosed with the monkeypox virus in the last two weeks, then you are also eligible to receive a vaccine for the monkeypox virus.
- If you had multiple intercourses with different partners in the last two weeks in areas where the cases of monkeypox virus are rising, then you are eligible for the same.
- Sex workers and people working in similar fields are also eligible.
- If you have been exposed to a virus in the last two weeks and are developing symptoms.
As you can see, there are no fixed eligibility criteria for the monkeypox vaccine. The state in which you are currently living can also change the rules and regulations regarding the monkeypox virus anytime, and you have to follow those rules.
Where to get a monkeypox vaccine?
Vaccines for the monkeypox virus have a very limited supply in the United States. The federal government of the United States, along with the Centers for Disease control and prevention, is not driving mass vaccination drives.
If you are eligible for the vaccine as per the above-given criteria or as per the criteria set by your state government, then you contact the public health department or public health officials.
Apart from that, your doctor will also be able to recommend your profile to the public health department for the vaccine. If you do not fall under the above-given criteria or the criteria set by your state, then you might not be able to receive the vaccine.
In some states, the government is asking every eligible person to create an online appointment by filling out an online form to receive the monkeypox vaccine. A similar thing is happening in the state of Colorado. If you are from Colorado, then you have to fill out an online form issued by the Department of Public health and environment.
Side effects of monkeypox vaccine
Similar to every other vaccine in the world, multi-book vaccines are also known to cause some side effects once you take them. The health department of New York has recently released a list of common side effects which might affect you once you take a vaccine for both viruses.
- Pain on the site of injection
- Swelling
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Nausea
There’s a probability that you might develop the above-given symptoms, which are the side effects of the monkeypox vaccine. Your health expert might suggest you take a look at the intensity of these side effects.
Some people might require medical assistance or extra medication if these symptoms start to develop more seriously.
How Effective Are Monkeypox Vaccines?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States have not released any data regarding the effectiveness of the monkeypox vaccine during the current outbreak. As per the older data, Vaccine was able to help Increase the survival rate by 80% to 100% in nonhuman primates. Another older study indicated that unvaccinated people are 85% more likely to get infected with the virus.