The Erie County Department of Health will host a monkeypox vaccine clinic on Friday, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at UB’s Student Health Services building on Maple Road, according to UB’s website.
The clinic is open to students and members of the general public. Individuals can sign up for an appointment on the county’s website, but walk-ins are also welcome.
UB operates a shuttle to Student Health Services that picks up students at the Student Union, Flint Loop and the Service Center Road bus shelter on weekdays.
New Yorkers who are eligible for the monkeypox vaccine include those who have recently been exposed to monkeypox; are gay men, bisexual, transgender, and/or gender non-conforming individuals; and those who are at current or future risk, according to the New York State Department of Health. While most cases so far have been found in men who have sex with men, monkeypox can infect anyone, according to the CDC.
The JYNNEOS vaccine, which prevents monkeypox, is administered as two doses given four to five weeks apart. It may also decrease the risk of infection if given within four days after exposure to monkeypox and reduce the severity of symptoms if given within 14 days after exposure.
Monkeypox spreads through direct contact with a monkeypox rash or scab, respiratory secretions, fabrics or surfaces that have been touched by someone with monkeypox or any other “close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact” with an infected individual, according to the CDC. Such contact includes hugging, kissing and sexual acts.
Monkeypox symptoms include rashes (which may be painful or itchy), fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, aches and respiratory issues. Symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure and typically last two to four weeks.
Nineteen cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Erie County with another two in Niagara County as of Thursday, according to the New York State DOH. New York State has the second-most cases of any state with a total of 3,914, according to the CDC. One American has died of monkeypox to date.
The Erie County DOH is encouraging those who have been exposed to a suspected or confirmed case within the last 14 days to call their epidemiology office at 716-858-7697.
Grant Ashley is the managing editor and can be reached at grant.ashley@ubspectrum.com
Grant Ashley is the editor in chief of The Spectrum. He's also reported for NPR, WBFO, WIVB and The Buffalo News. He enjoys taking long bike rides, baking with his parents’ ingredients and recreating Bob Ross paintings in crayon. He can be found on the platform formerly known as Twitter at @Grantrashley.
