Monkeypox

Monkeypox Basics

Monkeypox is a virus that is part of the same family of viruses as the variola virus (the virus that causes smallpox).

• It is rarely fatal.
• It is not related to chickenpox.

Symptoms 

• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Backache
• Exhaustion
• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters

How it spreads 

• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
• Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
• Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
• Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

Prevention 

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
  • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
  • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
  • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
• Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• In Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread monkeypox virus, usually rodents and primates. Also, avoid sick or dead animals, as well as bedding or other materials they have touched.
• If an individual has monkeypox:
  • Isolate at home.
  • If they have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from other people or pets you that they live with.

Vaccine Availability 

In Clay County, monkeypox vaccines are presently only available to those that are at highest risk for contracting monkeypox and/or have been exposed to the virus. As vaccine supply increases, vaccines will be more broadly distributed through a phased method.

For more information on monkeypox or if you feel you may have been exposed, see your healthcare provider to begin the evaluation process of determining if you meet vaccination criteria.

If you do not have a primary care provider, you may contact a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC):

Aza Health
100 Commercial Drive

Keystone Heights, FL 32656

(352) 473-6595

1305 N Orange Ave

Green Cove Springs, FL. 32043

(904) 284-5904

Palms Medical Group
2021 Professional Center Dr #100

Orange Park, FL 32073

(904) 688-3000

Vaccine Implementation Plan 

The implementation plan for monkeypox vaccine distribution will consist of three phases. During Phases 1 and 2, CHDs will coordinate monkeypox vaccine distribution with local health care providers.

Phase 1

During Phase 1, the following groups will be prioritized:

• Laboratory personnel and select health care personnel at high risk for monkeypox
• Close contacts of monkeypox cases who are identified via case investigation and contact tracing.
• Immunocompromised MSM with HIV (< 200 CD4 white blood cells per ml3) with potential exposure
• Other MSM with a recent history of a sexually transmissible disease (STD)

Phase 1 will have the following vaccination partners:

• Florida CHDs
• Ryan White (RW) clinics
• STD clinics
• Other community providers designated by CHDs who serve MSM with HIV

Phase 2

Phase 2 will occur when additional monkeypox vaccine becomes available from the strategic national stockpile for distribution through CHDs. During Phase 2, all Phase 1 groups will be prioritized in addition to the groups in bold:

• Laboratory personnel and select health care personnel at high risk for monkeypox
• Close contacts of monkeypox cases
• Immunocompromised MSM with HIV (< 200 CD4 white blood cells per ml3) with potential exposure
• Other MSM with a recent history of an STD
• All other MSM with HIV who had potential exposure

Phase 2 will have the same vaccination partners:

• Florida CHDs
• RW clinics
• STD clinics
• Other community providers designated by CHDs who serve MSM with HIV

Phase 3

Phase 3 will occur when monkeypox vaccine is distributed through normal vaccine distribution channels. During Phase 3, all Phase 2 groups will be prioritized in addition to the groups in bold:

• Laboratory personnel and select health care personnel at high risk for monkeypox
• Close contacts of monkeypox cases
• Immunocompromised MSM with HIV (< 200 CD4 white blood cells per ml3) with potential exposure
• Other MSM with a recent history of a sexually transmissible disease
• All other MSM with HIV who had potential exposure
• All MSM
• Other high-risk groups

Phase 3 will have the same vaccination partners as Phase 2 in addition to those in bold:

• Florida CHDs
• RW clinics
• STD clinics
• Other community providers who serve MSM with HIV
• Community providers who serve MSM and other high-risk groups 

Information for Providers 

• Both the Hepatitis A and quadrivalent meningococcal disease vaccinations can be administered simultaneously with the monkeypox vaccine. Information will be disseminated to health care providers about the importance of vaccinating MSM for these three diseases.
• One product (tecovirimat or TPOXX) is approved by United States Food and Drug Administration and is available to health care providers under a “compassionate use” protocol held by CDC. The Florida Department of Health will provide training to Florida health care providers likely to have monkeypox cases on the use of TPOXX.
• You or your facility must be registered in FL Shots as a VFA (vaccines for adults) provider for DOH-Clay to transfer vaccine. Being a VFA provider will allow for your facility to have a pin number for transfer and will allow the information to be input into FL Shots for accountability.
  • To enroll, please call 877-888-7468.
  • To request vaccines, please coordinate with your local County Health Department.
• Keep in mind that vaccines will be distributed within the community as vaccine becomes available.
• If you identify a potential case of monkeypox, please refer to the reporting guidelines to notify the County Health Department. The team will then provide next steps on specimen collection and application submission for treatment.
• Community members that reach out to the County Health Department wishing to be vaccinated will be referred to their PCP or the provider that is managing their antiretroviral medications for evaluation for potential vaccination.
• Vaccination supply received must take into consideration that the JYNNEOS vaccine is administered as two-dose series 4 weeks apart. 

More Information 

Visit the CDC website for more information on monkeypox vaccines.

Visit the Florida Health website for additional information on monkeypox.