As monkeypox cases rise nationwide, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has expanded vaccine eligibility.
The JYNNEOS vaccine is now available at county health departments in the following counties: Lee, Panola, Leflore, Lowndes, Lauderdale, Adams, Hinds, Forrest, and Harrison.
As of Thursday, 11 monkeypox cases have been identified in Mississippi. Nationwide, over 10,000 cases have been confirmed.
“While anyone who is exposed to monkeypox through close person-to-person or intimate contact may become infected, most of the cases being seen in this outbreak are among individuals who are gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men,” State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said.
With Mississippi currently having “very few” doses, the two-dose monkeypox vaccine is being offered to only those at highest risk for potential exposure as well as those with known contact with identified cases.
Individuals 18 years and older may be eligible if they:
- Have been notified or are aware of close intimate or sexual contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox
- Identify as gay, bisexual, transgender, or other men who have sex with men, who report having had multiple or anonymous male sex partner or having attended an event or venue where monkeypox may have been transmitted (for example, by skin-to-skin contact or sex on-site)
Vaccination appointments are available to individuals who meet the above criteria. Please call the Monkeypox Call Center at 1-877-978-6453 to determine your eligibility and a make vaccination appointment at one of the participating health department clinics.
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