Hawaii opened monkeypox vaccination slots July 27 to state residents who are considered to be at higher risk of infection.
“We continue to work on equitable distribution of monkeypox vaccine,” Dr. Nathan Tan, deputy state epidemiologist of the Hawaii Department of Health, said in a press release. “We thank the community for its patience as we vaccinate those most at risk for infection or severe illness and thank our partners for stepping up to provide vaccines in the community.”
Currently, only certain individuals are eligible for the JYNNEOS vaccine, according to the release. Anyone who has been exposed to someone with confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox virus within the last 14 days is eligible. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and transgender individuals with high-risk intimate contact in venues such as premises events, bathhouses, sex clubs, or areas where monkeypox is known to be spreading in the last 14 days are also eligible.
Anyone who wants to be vaccinated must be at least 18 years old, Tan said.
Hawaii has received 1,400 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine with the DOH receiving its allocation from the Strategic National Stockpile, the release stated. It will continue to receive allocations as supply becomes available, though demand is expected to outpace Hawaii’s supply.
Monkeypox is mainly spread through close, intimate contact with body fluids, lesion material, or items used by someone with the disease, according to the release.
The JYNNEOS vaccine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for prevention of monkeypox disease in adults. However, since no vaccine is 100% effective, it is important for individuals to reduce their risk of potential exposure to monkeypox both before and after receiving a dose of JYNNEOS, the release stated.
Individuals who fall in either of the above groups should call the DOH at 808-586-4462 for an appointment, according to the release. The phone line is available Monday-Friday from 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Currently, appointment scheduling is not available through individual providers.