More Delawareans are now eligible for the monkeypox vaccine after the White House encouraged states to stretch their vaccine supplies by only administering one-fifth of the original dose, the Delaware Division of Public Health announced on Monday.
This came after the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization, so that the Jynneos vaccine − one of two federally approved vaccines for the prevention of monkeypox − can be injected just under the skin rather than into the muscle. This change makes way for states to use smaller amounts of the vaccine and conserve their supply.
Because of this, Delaware can now expand vaccine access, though there could be delays due to training for this alternate administration method and obtaining needed supplies, DPH said.
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Starting on Monday, people who are living with HIV, as well as those receiving a medication used to prevent HIV − known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP− are eligible for vaccine access.
State public health officials advised this group of people to first reach out to their medical providers or PrEP treatment centers to ask if they are offering the vaccine. If not, they can then reach out to the DPH hotline at 866-408-1899to schedule an appointment with a state clinic. Those DPH clinics are not accepting walk-ins for vaccinations.
Even with the expanded access, appointments may still be scheduled a few days out as DPH prioritizes those at the highest risk of monkeypox, public health officials said in a news release. That prioritized group includes people known or presumed to be exposed to someone with monkeypox in the last 14 days, as well as people who have sex with men and who have had multiple sex partners within the past 14 days.
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The state had given 33 doses of the monkeypox vaccine as of Aug. 5, according to DPH, but health officials said that number may be higher due to reporting delays.
The vaccine, a two-dose series given 28 days apart, is not considered effective until two weeks after the second dose, state health officials said. Everyone, especially those at high risk, should continue to use take preventive measures to avoid monkeypox.
Who is eligible next for the monkeypox vaccine in Delaware?
Starting on Monday, Aug. 22, even more people will be eligible for the monkeypox vaccine.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has mostly identified men who have sex with men at higher risk, public health officials have emphasized that the disease is not sexually transmitted and anyone can be infected.
People can become infected during sex, but public health officials said they can also be exposed by kissing, cuddling, sharing kitchen utensils or toothbrushes and coming into contact with an infected person’s bedding, bath towels or clothing.
The next round of expanded vaccine access will be available to the following people, according to DPH:
- 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.
The state will release more details about where vaccines will be available later this week.
How serious is monkeypox in Delaware?
Delaware does not yet plan to declare a public health emergency – which would free up funding and resources to address an outbreak, according to DPH.
Announcing five more cases on Monday, Delaware has 11 known monkeypox cases. State public health officials say the public health risk is still low, but people should stay educated and on guard.
Most people with monkeypox do not require hospitalization and may isolate at home, DPH said.
Anyone can become infected with monkeypox, and it spreads between people through direct contact with an infectious rash, body fluids, or by respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, according to state public health officials. The virus can spread from the onset of the first symptoms until the scabs have separated and the skin has fully healed.
How effective is the vaccine?
The Jynneos vaccine, used to prevent monkeypox is fully FDA approved for use against smallpox.
In its latest report, DPH noted that the Jynneos vaccine may not provide protection for people who received a previous smallpox vaccine more than three years ago.
During the 2003 outbreak and current outbreaks, DPH said, people who have been infected with monkeypox had previously been vaccinated against smallpox decades before.
Does the general public need the vaccine?
No, the general public does not need the monkeypox vaccine, state health officials said.
“It is important to re-enforce how different this is from COVID-19 including when it comes to vaccination,” a DPH spokesperson said in an earlier statement. “Unlike with COVID-19, the general public does not need an MPX vaccine. It’s important to know that most people with MPX don’t have the same kind of severe illness and respiratory symptoms as seen with COVID-19, and the rates of hospitalizations and death are low.”
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Public health officials said the best way to stay healthy is to educate yourself on ways to prevent the spread of illness, including monkeypox.
Federal officials have said that vaccination alone will not control the spread of infection, and that following recommendations for preventing the spread of the illness are important.
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.
As fall sports practices begin, DPH said there are more measures people can take to prevent the spread:
- Laundering uniforms after each game or practice
- Seeking advice from primary care providers concerning rashes
- Sanitizing team spaces when they are not in use
- Not sharing sweat towels, water bottles, mouth guards or other gear
- Refraining from leaving unused personal gear laying around.
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DPH advised organizations to provide separate seating for fans and players to reduce close contact with possible rashes between fans and players.
Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches, with a focus on health-related issues. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
