Starting Labor Day, Delaware residents who are immunocompromised will have expanded access to the monkeypox vaccine, the Delaware Division of Public Health announced Thursday.
Newark Urgent Care began administering the vaccine on Thursday and will hold free vaccine clinics weekly for those who are eligible. Beginning Monday, eligible residents will also be able to receive the vaccine at Beebe Healthcare and DPH clinics.
The health department also launched a website that provides information about monkeypox, including the number of cases. As of Thursday afternoon, 25 cases had been reported in Delaware, which “remains low compared to neighboring states which have hundreds,” DPH said.
The website can be found at de.gov/monkeypox.
Monkeypox is a virus related to smallpox that is transmitted through “close intimate contact” with individuals who have rashes or flu-like symptoms, said Dr. Rick Hong, DPH interim director. It typically lasts two to four weeks and while there is no cure, some antiviral medications can help with symptoms.
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The virus was first reported in Delaware in mid-July and spread remains low, DPH said. Last week, the University of Delaware announced an employee had tested positive.
The state health department recommends those who are eligible get vaccinated. This includes people who are confirmed to have been exposed or who are at higher risk of being exposed to the virus and those “engaging in high-risk activities, including sexual practices, that increase exposure.”
DPH will determine on a case-by-case basis who may be considered immunocompromised but said the category includes people with cancer, solid organ or stem cell transplants, those taking immunosuppressive therapy and individuals with autoimmune disease.
Residents looking to determine their eligibility should call the state’s monkeypox hotline at 866-408-1899for a screening evaluation. Vaccine walk-ins at DPH clinics won’t be accepted.
Though the vaccine has largely been proven effective in warding off the virus, DPH said people should not consider themselves protected until two weeks after the two-dose series, which is given 28 days apart. Residents at higher risk should continue to use preventive measures and “reduce engaging in any high-risk behaviors until that time,” the state health department said.
How to prevent infection
Delaware public health officials have the following recommendations to avoid infection:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have rashes that could be related to monkeypox.
- Individuals who are sexually active can minimize their risk of exposure by limiting the number of partners they have and talking to their partner about their recent history and behaviors.
- 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 your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Should you get a vaccine?
Delaware has also ramped up vaccine efforts this week as access extended to those most at risk. Here’s who is now eligible for the monkeypox vaccine, according to DPH:
- People who are living with HIV, as well as those receiving a medication used to prevent HIV − known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.
- Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and have had multiple (more than one) or any anonymous sexual partners.
- Transgender women or nonbinary people assigned male at birth who have sex with men.
- Sex workers (of any sexual orientation and gender).
- Staff (of any sexual orientation and gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs, including bathhouses, saunas or sex clubs.
- Those who are immunocompromised.
To schedule an appointment at Beebe Healthcare, visit beebehealthcare.org/online-scheduling and select “monkeypox vaccine.”
The DPH hotline will operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but will not be accepting calls on Labor Day.
Health reporter Emily Lytle contributed to this report.
Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com. For all things breaking news, follow her on Twitter at @izzihughes_
