MONKEYPOX AND VACCINES

What is Monkeypox (MPX) ?

Monkeypox (MPX) is a disease caused by an infection with the monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family as smallpox but usually has milder symptoms than smallpox. Monkeypox is named so because it was first discovered in 1958 in colonies of research monkeys. Despite being called “monkeypox”, the source of the disease remains unknown. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has since been reported in several central and western African countries.

Monkeypox has gained prominence this year due to an international outbreak that began in May 2022, with over 1000 cases in the US as of July 2022.

How do People Become Infected with Monkeypox?

People can catch monkeypox through direct contact with the skin of infected individuals. The disease can also be spread during prolonged physical contacts, such as kissing or sex. Research also indicates that the disease can be spread by infected people coughing. Pregnant people infected can also spread the virus to their fetuses through the placenta. People can also get the disease by being bitten or scratched by an infected animal.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Monkeypox can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle pains, exhaustion, and swelling of lymph nodes around the neck and armpits. The most striking feature of a monkeypox infection is the large blisters or pimples on the face, inside of the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. The blisters go through different stages before healing and can appear before, during, or after the other symptoms. Symptoms typically start 5-21 days after exposure and can last up to 4 weeks.

While symptoms may be mild for many people, children and those immunocompromised (HIV+, on immunosuppressant medications, etc.), have a higher risk of having a more serious infection.

After the infection ends, the lesions may leave scabs and scarring.

How can I Prevent Monkeypox?

People can prevent monkeypox infection by following many prevention methods we use for COVID prevention. Wear a mask or other personal protective equipment if you have to interact with someone infected or inside public buildings.

Discuss monkeypox safety with sexual partners. Practice risk-reduction techniques during sex, such as using physical barriers, cleaning sex toys, and reporting any symptoms to a medical professional for testing and treatment.

Are there Vaccines for Monkeypox?

There are currently vaccines for monkeypox, which are now being distributed in select locations in major cities. So far, there are no known cures for monkeypox. Please continue to check here for additional information provided by AIDS Project Worcester as the situation evolves.

AIDS Project Worcester strives to prove the best service interaction possible. Please follow all instructions in order to reduce delays and to have the best-streamlined process.

Online booking is now available for MPX vaccines for eligible clients, appointments are available for 1st and 2nd doses. We are currently experiencing a High demand for MPX vaccine appointments, most appointments are booked out until September, please review availabilities accordingly. Please review eligibility prior to booking an appointment.

Eligibility

You must meet one or more of the following criteria;

As of October 3, 2022, vaccination will be available to individuals who live or work in Massachusetts and meet the CDC’s current eligibility criteria, which have recently expanded to include individuals at potential risk for monkeypox in addition to those with possible recent exposure to an individual with monkeypox:

Persons eligible for post-exposure vaccination (PEP) includes:

Known contacts identified by public health via case investigation, contact tracing, and risk exposure assessments (this may include sexual partners, household contacts, and healthcare workers); as well as
Presumed contacts who meet the following criteria:
- Know that a sexual partner in the past 14 days was diagnosed with monkeypox
- Had multiple sexual partners in the past 14 days in a jurisdiction with known monkeypox

In addition, CDC now allows for pre-exposure vaccination (PrEP) of persons at risk for monkeypox which includes:

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, transgender, gender non-conforming, or nonbinary people who
- Have had a diagnosis of or have sought testing for one or more sexually transmitted diseases (i.e., chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis) in the past year
- Are living with HIV infection
- Are on or are eligible to be on HIV PrEP
- Have recently had more than one sex partner
People who:
- Have had sex at a private or commercial sex venue (e.g., sex party, bathhouse)
- Have had sex in association with a large public event (e.g., rave, circuit party) in a geographic area where monkeypox transmission is occurring
Sexual partners of people with the above risks
People who anticipate experiencing the above risks

To review current eligibility requirements, click here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/monkeypox-vaccination

While many of the identified cases are within networks of self-identified gay and bisexual men, other men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals who have sex with men, people of any sexual orientation or gender identity can become infected and spread monkeypox.

APW is only providing vaccine services now; please contact your Primary Care Provider (PCP) or local/state health dept for inquiries regarding testing, treatment, prevention, and isolation requirements or recommendations.

Additionally, check the MA Dept. of Public Health list of sites for available appointments at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/monkeypox-vaccination

In addition, to receive the vaccine, you are required to not currently have any signs or symptoms of the monkeypox virus before visiting APW’s offices.