monkeypox Archives

Regional Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk Open Saturday for COVID-19 Vaccinations

September 30, 2022
Media Contact: Larry Hill, larry.hill@vdh.virginia.gov

Regional Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk Open Saturday for COVID-19 Vaccinations
Monkeypox Vaccinations Moving to One Day a Week to Wednesdays

NORFOLK, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) continues this week the Community Vaccination Center (CVC) at the Military Circle Mall, 880 N. Military Highway in Norfolk. The site will be open on Saturday providing COVID-19 vaccinations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Last week the regional vaccination site provided more than three hundred COVID-19 vaccinations in the four-hour period.

All COVID-19 vaccines, including the new bivalent booster vaccines, will be offered. There is no registration. Walk-ins only.Virginians who are unvaccinated remain at high risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. Vaccinations will be for those aged 6 months and older.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the Virginia Department of Health website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/.

Monkeypox vaccinations during October, will only be offered one day a week on Wednesdays. The hours will be from 3-6 p.m.

You can register for a monkeypox vaccination by visiting: www.vase.virginia.gov and clicking on monkeypox, then enter zip code 23502 for the Military Circle Mall location. Or you may make a Monkeypox vaccination appointment by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) and stating you would like to make an appointment for a Military Circle Mall clinic.

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 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:

As of September 26, the eligibility requirements for Expanded PEP will be as follows:

All people, of any sexual orientation or gender, who have had anonymous or multiple (more than 1) sexual partners in the last 2 weeks; or
Sex workers, of any sexual orientation or gender; or
Staff of any sexual orientation or gender, at establishments or events where sexual activity, occurs; or
People of any sexual orientation of gender who:

Are living with HIV/AIDS
Has been diagnosed with any sexually transmitted infection in the past three months

Staff (of any sexual orientation or gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs (such as bathhouses, sex clubs)

For more information about monkeypox, visit the VDH website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox/ or the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html.

To find a COVID-19 or monkeypox vaccine event near you, contact or check the website of your local health department; to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at a pharmacy or other location, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages.

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Hampton/Peninsula Monkeypox Services Expanded

September 29, 2022
Media Contact: Irene Ferrainolo, Public Information Officer, 757-594-8933 (M-W-F) 757-315-3766 (T-Th)

Hampton/Peninsula Monkeypox Services Expanded

Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts are expanding monkey pox vaccine and testing services to the general public at clinics located at 3130 Victoria Blvd, Hampton and 416 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News.

The Virginia Department of Health recommends the monkeypox vaccine for people at high risk of exposure. This includes:

People with a known exposure to someone with monkeypox
People, of any sexual orientation or gender, who have had anonymous or multiple (more than 1) sexual partners in the last 2 weeks;
Sex workers of any sexual orientation or gender;
Staff (of any sexual orientation or gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs
Anyone living with HIV or AIDS and anyone recently diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection

Vaccination is by appointment only and can be made at vase.vdh.virginia.gov. If a person does not have internet access or has difficulty navigating the vase.vdh.virginia.gov website, they may call 757-594-7400 and health district staff will guide them through the process.

Testing for monkeypox is also available. Appointments may be scheduled at 3130 Victoria Blvd, Hampton by calling 757-728-2150. For appointments at 416 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, call 757-594-7300.

Currently, VDH reports 119 cases in the Eastern Region, 43 of those occurring within the Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts.

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Monkeypox Vaccine Eligibility Expands; RHHD Makes Changes to Monkeypox Vaccination Effort

September 26, 2022
Media Contact: Cat Long, RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov, 804-363-0933

Monkeypox Vaccine Eligibility Expands; RHHD Makes Changes to Monkeypox Vaccination Effort

RICHMOND, VA- Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) updated monkeypox vaccine eligibility to include anyone living with HIV or AIDS and anyone who has been diagnosed with any sexually transmitted infection (STIs, formerly referred to as STDs) in the past three months. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) will welcome newly eligible individuals to express interest in a monkeypox vaccine starting on Monday, October 3, 2022. In the meantime, RHHD is preparing by simplifying its vaccine interest form and offering monkeypox vaccine appointments to the remaining eligible individuals on the list.

“We encourage individuals in our communities to review the new eligibility and consider filling out a vaccine interest form next week if you’re newly eligible,” explains Dr. Elaine Perry, Director of RHHD. “Thankfully, we’re seeing the numbers of new cases come down, but getting individuals who are likely to be exposed vaccinated can help ensure our communities are protected.”

Also, due to the slowing demand for monkeypox vaccines in the area and RHHD’s significant progress in vaccinating eligible individuals who have filled out a form, RHHD no longer needs to ask additional questions to assess risk and offer vaccines to people at highest risk first. Because of this, RHHD is shortening its form and removing many questions related to behavior or demographics.

“Sometimes we need to use a prioritization framework to get vaccines to populations at high risk when there’s a high demand and not enough supply or clinical capacity,” explains Dr. Melissa Viray, Deputy Director at RHHD. “It’s always our goal to get vaccines to everyone who is eligible and to get to a place where we can make the process as easy as possible… we’re glad our supply and demand have leveled and we can ask fewer questions of our patients.”

Anyone interested in receiving a monkeypox vaccine can review eligibility requirements and fill out a vaccine interest form at rrhd.gov/monkeypoxvax or by calling 804-205-3501.

About Richmond and Henrico Health Districts: RHHD are sister public health agencies serving Richmond’s and Henrico’s communities. Our mission is to expose and address the root causes of health disparities, protect health by preventing the spread of disease, and build health equity by partnering with communities and working collaboratively across sectors.

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VDH Reopens Regional Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk

September 9, 2022

Media Contact: Larry Hill, larry.hill@vdh.virginia.gov

VDH Reopens Regional Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk

(Norfolk, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) today announced that the Community Vaccination Center (CVC) at the Military Circle Mall, 880 N. Military Highway in Norfolk, will open Monday, Sept. 12. Monkeypox vaccinations will be available Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. COVID-19 vaccinations will be available Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We welcome this joint effort by the City of Norfolk, Virginia Beach Health Department and the Norfolk Health Department,” said Norfolk and Portsmouth Acting Health Director, Dr. Sulola Adekoya. “We encourage those in need of a monkeypox or COVID-19 vaccination, to take advantage of this free opportunity.”

You can register for a monkeypox vaccination by visiting https://vase.vdh.virginia.gov and clicking on monkeypox, then enter zip code 23502.

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)

Starting Saturday, Sept. 17, COVID-19 vaccinations will be given on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., all COVID-19 vaccines, including the new bivalent booster vaccines, will be offered. There is no registration. Walk-ins only. Virginians who are unvaccinated remain at high risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. Vaccinations will be for those aged 6 months and older.

VDH Reopens Regional Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk

September 9, 2022

Media Contact: Larry Hill, larry.hill@vdh.virginia.gov

VDH Reopens Regional Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk
COVID-19 and Monkeypox Vaccinations Available on Different Days

You can register for a monkeypox vaccination by visiting https://vase.vdh.virginia.gov and clicking on monkeypox, then enter zip code 23502.

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)

VDH Reopens Regional Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk

September 9, 2022

Media Contact: Larry Hill, larry.hill@vdh.virginia.gov

VDH Reopens Regional Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk
COVID-19 and Monkeypox Vaccinations Available on Different Days

You can register for a monkeypox vaccination by visiting https://vase.vdh.virginia.gov and clicking on monkeypox, then enter zip code 23502.

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)

Central Shenandoah Health District’s Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Form Now Available

STAUNTON, Va. – Starting today, individuals who live or spend time in the Central Shenandoah 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 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 is being offered in Virginia to people 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.

“At this time, widespread vaccination is not recommended or necessary for most people in our health district,” said Dr. Elaine Perry, Interim Director of the Central Shenandoah Health District. “Our staff will contact individuals who filled out the interest form and are at high risk to further determine eligibility. Completing the interest form is not a guarantee that a vaccine will be available.”

Central Shenandoah Health District includes the cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, Lexington, and Buena Vista and the counties of Rockingham, Augusta, Rockbridge, Bath, and Highland.

For more information, please visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox

Pittsylvania/Danville and Southside Health Districts’ Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Form Now Available

August 29, 2022
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania/Danville and Southside Health Districts’ Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Form Now Available

DANVILLE, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s Pittsylvania/Danville Health District and Southside Health District are now offering a form for those interested in the monkeypox vaccine, JYNNEOS. The form allows the districts to gauge community interest and to determine who might be at higher risk.

Interested individuals can fill out this form to register their interest in receiving a monkeypox vaccine. 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.

“The risk of monkeypox to the general public is considered low,” said Pittsylvania-Danville and Southside Health Districts Director Scott Spillmann, MD, MPH. “However, we are fortunate to be able to offer the JYNNEOS vaccine to those at higher risk. Other ways to stay safe include avoiding skin-to-skin contact with another person’s rash or lesions, and frequently washing your hands with soap and water.”

Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus that can result in a rash or lesions and can spread from animals to people and from person to person. Anyone can get and spread monkeypox; however, it is spread by close contact with an infected person. Close contact includes touching skin lesions, bodily fluids, or clothing or linens that have been in contact with an infected person. Spread can also occur during prolonged, face-to-face contact. The highest risk activity at present is sex with multiple or anonymous partners.

For more information, please visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox

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Chickahominy Health District’s Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Form Now Available

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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Mount Rogers Health District Launches Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Form

August 1, 2022
Media Contact: Breanne Forbes Hubbard, population health manager, breanne.forbes-hubbard@vdh.virginia.gov, 276-759-8297

Mount Rogers Health District Launches Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Form

MARION, Va. – Mount Rogers Health District residents who are interested in receiving the monkeypox vaccine can complete an interest form located at https://redcap.link/MRHDmpx.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has received a limited amount of monkeypox vaccine from the federal government. VDH has developed recommended approaches to support the efficient, effective, and equitable use of the monkeypox vaccine based on individuals who are recommended to receive vaccine, while working with the limited supply of vaccine.

VDH has begun vaccinating those with certain risk factors who are more likely to have been recently exposed to monkeypox; this strategy is called Expanded Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (Expanded PEP). To help individuals who might qualify for Expanded PEP connect with vaccination resources, Mount Rogers Health District asks interested individuals to complete the vaccine interest form, located at https://redcap.link/MRHDmpx. At this time, vaccine appointments through Mount Rogers Health District are limited to Virginia residents.

“It is important to remember that widespread vaccination against monkeypox is not recommended or necessary for most people at this time,” said Breanne Forbes Hubbard, population health manager. “Our epidemiologists and public health nurses will contact individuals who are at high risk to further determine eligibility. Please remember that completing the interest form is not a guarantee that a vaccine is available at this point.”

The Mount Rogers Health District vaccine interest form can be found at https://redcap.link/MRHDmpx. For more information, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/monkeypox/ or contact Breanne Forbes Hubbard at breanne.forbes-hubbard@vdh.virginia.gov, 276-759-8297.

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