August 29, 2022
Media Contact: Bob Engle, robert.engle@vdh.virginia.gov
Virginia Beach Health Department to Host Free Monkeypox Vaccination Clinics
(Virginia Beach, Va.) – The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health will host multiple FREE Monkeypox vaccination clinics the week of August 29 – September 2.
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 animals to people and from person to person.
The risk to the community is considered low at this time. Anyone can get and spread monkeypox; however, it is currently being 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:
- 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 where sexual activity occurs (such as bathhouses, sex clubs)
Appointments are encouraged; however, walk-ins will be accepted. Visit the links below to schedule your appointment time:
Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon
Virginia Beach Department of Public Health, 4452 Corporation Lane
Appointments: Monkeypox vaccinations – Wednesday, Aug. 31
Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
New Light Full Gospel Baptist Church, 5549 Indian River Road
Appointments: Monkeypox vaccinations– Wednesday, Aug. 31
Thursday, Sept. 1, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Virginia Beach Department of Public Health, 4452 Corporation Lane
Monkeypox vaccinations – Thursday, Sept. 1
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 https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html
###
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.