Limited monkeypox vaccine appointments available beginning Monday

Health District emphasizes limited vaccines still available, appointment capacity will initially be limited

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 22, 2022

LAS VEGAS – Individuals who are at higher risk of exposure to monkeypox can now make appointments to get the vaccine at the Southern Nevada Health District using its online system available at https://vax4nv.nv.gov/patient/s/ (select the “Routine” vaccination option), or by calling (702) 759-0850 for assistance. Appointments will begin on Monday, July 25. The Health District is emphasizing it has received a limited amount of the vaccine, and appointment capacity will reflect the current monkeypox vaccine inventory. Additional doses of JYNNEOS, the monkeypox vaccine, have been requested and appointments will be expanded when they are received.

Current eligibility to receive the vaccine includes:

• Those who had close physical contact within the past 14 days with someone known or suspected of having monkeypox. This includes those who know or suspect their sexual partner(s) of having monkeypox.
• Those who have been informed by the Health District they are a close contact of someone with monkeypox.
• Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary who had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days, especially at a venue, event, or within a social group where a person with a known or suspected case of monkeypox was present.
• Those meeting any of the above criteria who may be at increased risk for severe disease if infected with monkeypox should especially be vaccinated. This includes people with HIV or another condition that weakens their immune system or those with a history of atopic dermatitis or eczema.  

Individuals who had monkeypox are not eligible for the vaccine, and the vaccine is currently only licensed for use in people 18 years of age and older. Vaccine clients will be assessed prior to receiving the vaccine to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements.

The Health District is urging everyone to take precautions to prevent infections. Anyone can get monkeypox, and people need to take precautions to protect themselves and others from infection. Monkeypox is spread through:

• Direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs or body fluids.
• Respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex.
• Touching objects, fabrics (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the rash or body fluids of someone with monkeypox.
• Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks.

People with unknown rashes and lesions should contact their health care provider for an assessment and avoid sex or being intimate during that time. Quickly identifying monkeypox cases to begin the public health investigation and contact tracing process is critical to stopping the spread of the virus.

Seven probable and confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported in Clark County as of July 20. The Health District conducts an investigation and contact tracing for each reported case. Identified close contacts are monitored and receive the vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if appropriate. It is recommended the vaccine be given within four days from the date of exposure. If the vaccine is administered within four to 14 days after the date of exposure, it may help to reduce symptoms. Quickly identifying contacts to provide PEP is an important mitigation strategy and key to controlling the outbreak and preventing further spread of the virus.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info.