August 2, 2022
Media Contact: Alex Neal, Alex.Neal@vdh.virginia.gov
Chickahominy Health District’s Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Form Now Available
Ashland, Va. – Starting today, individuals who live or spend time in the Chickahominy Health District can complete an interest form for the monkeypox vaccine, JYNNEOS. The district will begin to vaccinate individuals who may be at higher risk of monkeypox exposure. In order to gauge community interest and to determine who might be at higher risk, we have created an optional survey interest form for community members. Interested individuals can fill out this form.
A limited supply of vaccines are being offered in Virginia to adults with certain risk factors that increase their likelihood of becoming exposed to monkeypox. Because vaccination supply remains limited, vaccination is not guaranteed by filling out the interest form.
Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus that can result in a rash or lesions and is spread through close person to person contact. Anyone can get and spread monkeypox. Close contact includes touching skin lesions, bodily fluids, or clothing/linens that have been in contact with an infected person. Spread can also occur during prolonged, face-to-face contact, as well as sexual or intimate contact. At present, the highest risk activity is having sex with multiple or anonymous partners.
“We are fortunate to have a vaccine available that can prevent monkeypox,” said Alex Neal, senior epidemiologist for the Chickahominy Health District. “While supplies are currently limited, we are prioritizing individuals with the highest risk factors. In addition to vaccination, there are other ways to stay safe, for example, avoiding skin-to-skin contact with another person’s rash or lesions, and frequently washing your hands with soap and water.”
Chickahominy Health District includes Charles City, Goochland, Hanover, and New Kent counties.
For more information, please visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox
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