Monkeypox Vaccine Update
Stanford Health Care is offering the JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccination to individuals who meet strict criteria determined by the county Department of Health in which you reside.
We may be able to offer you the vaccine if you meet the following criteria:
- If you are a San Mateo County resident, please visit Monkeypox - San Mateo County Health
- If you are an Alameda County resident, please visit Monkeypox - Alameda County Public Health Department
- If you are a Santa Clara County resident, please visit Monkeypox - Public Health - County of Santa Clara
If you meet the above criteria based on your county of residence, you can schedule an appointment through MyHealth (click on Appointments/Make an Appointment/Vaccinations/Monkeypox vaccine) or by calling 650-498-9000. Please check back if appointments are currently full.
Vaccination with JYNNEOS is expected to decrease the likelihood of infection, as well as the severity of infection should you become infected. It does NOT give complete immunity, nor will it prevent you from spreading the virus to others.
While a single dose of the vaccine is believed to give moderate protection after 2 weeks, it is very important to complete both doses in order to get the highest level of protection. Your second dose should be given no sooner than 4 weeks after your first dose.
People who had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine (such as gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, or egg protein) should NOT be vaccinated with the JYNNEOS vaccine.
There will be no charge for the dose of vaccine, but depending on insurance coverage, a fee for the administration may be billed to your insurance.
As per county guidelines, please see the following guidance for respective residents:
- San Mateo County Residents – First doses are available, second doses available if it has been at least 28 days since first dose
- Santa Clara County Residents – First doses are available, second doses available if it has been at least 28 days since first dose
- Alameda County Residents – First doses are available, second doses available if it has been at least 28 days since first dose
As per county guidelines, second doses of the vaccine are available to immunocompromised individuals who reside in Santa Clara and Alameda counties.
Moderately or severely immunocompromised individuals include HIV+, especially if your CD4 count is <350, or any of the other criteria for moderately or severely immunocompromised individuals as described by CDC for COVID-19.
More information on the JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine is available here: CDC.gov and FDA.gov
All About Monkeypox
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare but sometimes serious illness caused by a virus. It belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus.
This illness is uncommon in the United States. Global travel has increased the risk of bringing diseases from other countries.
As of July 12, 2022, California has reported 186 cases. Most experts say cases are under-counted.
Symptoms of monkeypox
- Fever, headache, muscle aches, and feeling exhausted
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Skin sores that may look like pimples or blisters
They may be limited to one area or widespread. The sores can appear:- On your face or inside your mouth
- On your shoulders, chest, belly, genital, or buttock area
- On your hands and palms, or feet and soles
How it spreads
- Touching an infected person’s body or skin sores
- Touching an infected person’s clothes, bedsheets, or towels
- Touching an infected animal
Monkeypox can infect anyone. So far, recent U.S. cases have spread mostly in men who have sex with other men.
Treatment
For most people, monkeypox goes away on its own without treatment. Symptoms often last from 2 to 4 weeks.
There is no treatment approved specifically for monkeypox. Some medicines used for smallpox may help prevent or treat monkeypox. Some people with severe symptoms may benefit from treatment.
If you have symptoms of monkeypox, talk to your health care team (e.g, primary care doctor). Getting medical help early is important for people with weakened immune systems.
How to avoid getting monkeypox
You can take steps to protect yourself from this illness. Here’s how:
- Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with this illness.
- Do not share plates, silverware, or cups with a person with this illness.
- Do not handle the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer.
If you are close to someone who has monkeypox
If you have a high risk for infection, you may be eligible for a monkeypox vaccine. Check with your health care team or clinic.
You may have a high risk if you:
- Have contact with someone who had a rash or sore that looks like monkeypox
- Have contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox
- Have skin contact with friends who have had monkeypox
- Travel outside the United States to an area where monkeypox is more common
- Have contact with an animal that lived where monkeypox has been more common
If you get sick with monkeypox:
- Stay home.
- Stay in a separate room or area from other family members and pets.
Call your health care team if:
- You have symptoms that may be monkeypox.
- You might have had close contact with someone who has known or suspected monkeypox.