Currently there are 11 cases of Monkeypox in the city of Cleveland. CDPH’s Office of Epidemiology continues to conduct surveillance and contact tracing. The Northeast Ohio region is in the process of receiving and distributing a small allotment of the JYNNEOS vaccine for targeted groups through specific healthcare organizations. JYNNEOS is a vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent monkeypox infection in people ages 18 years and older. When properly administered before or after a recent exposure, JYNNEOS can be an effective tool for protecting people against monkeypox illness.
Vaccination given after the onset of signs or symptoms of monkeypox is not expected to provide benefit. Like other vaccines, the JYNNEOS vaccine is administered by injection, usually in the upper arm. The CDC recommends individuals receive a two dose series at least four weeks apart.
Close contacts of someone with monkeypox will be offered the vaccine for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). The vaccine will be available free of charge. Due to a limited supply of vaccine available, patients must fall into one of the following categories in order to be eligible:
- Individuals at high risk of occupational exposure to monkeypox (e.g., clinical lab personnel performing diagnostic testing for monkeypox).
- Individuals identified as having exposure to monkeypox virus during case investigation and contact tracing activities.
- Unprotected contact between a person’s skin or mucous membranes and the skin, lesions, or bodily fluids from a patient or contaminated materials (e.g., linens, clothing)
- Individuals with attendance at events/venues linked to known monkeypox transmission.
- Any individual who has or is likely to have prolonged intimate contact that would put them at higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox virus
People who get vaccinated should continue to take steps to protect themselves from infection by avoiding close, skin‐to‐skin contact, including intimate contact, with someone who has monkeypox. Fully vaccinated individuals are still recommended to protect themselves against monkeypox and to isolate at home in case of symptoms.
Cuyahoga County Board of Health is working with local healthcare providers to develop a distribution strategy.
More information will be forthcoming next week regarding where eligible patients can get the vaccine. Based on the supply received, we are committed to vaccinating as many people as possible to prevent disease.
As more vaccine is allocated to Ohio, we are working to make it available to a larger group of at‐risk persons. Anyone with concerns or symptoms should talk to their healthcare provider.
Visit clevelandhealth.org for more information, FAQ’s and to stay up to date on the current number of cases.
