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As the number of monkeypox cases climbs in the United States during the 2022 outbreak, people are wondering if they should get the vaccine.
Data from today shows nearly 30,000 cases in the US, making up nearly half of the cases in the entire world (just over 75,000 total cases worldwide) this year. Although it’s not very deadly, it’s also not pleasant. So, what can you do to reduce your risk of contracting the monkeypox virus? One option is the monkeypox vaccination.
That brings us to our big announcement: we’re proud to announce that My Virtual Physician is in the process of becoming certified to dispense the monkeypox vaccine inside our Las Vegas Hybrid clinic located at 2217 Paradise Road.
Related: What is Monkeypox and How Can I Get Tested?
Monkeypox is closely related to the smallpox virus, and there are two vaccines that are currently used to prevent monkeypox and smallpox. They are called JYNNEOS and ACAM2000. It’s important to note that certain groups should not get the ACAM2000 version, including:
The JYNNEOS vaccine is provided in a series of two doses, spaced 28 days apart. The injection site can be located in your forearm, shoulder blade, or shoulder muscle. The vaccine is considered effective 14 days after the second dose is received.
ACAM2000 is the alternate monkeypox vaccine, provided in a single dose using a special needle that administers multiple pricks. The injection site will form a lesion that will take several weeks to heal and requires special after-care attention to prevent spreading the live Vaccinia virus to others. This vaccine has a longer period of time to be considered effective, at 28 days after vaccination.
Not everyone should get vaccinated for monkeypox. Right now, the CDC only encourages two major groups of people, who are at a higher risk, to consider vaccination. You should consider vaccination if:
Men who have sex with other men, transgender, and nonbinary people may also be at a higher risk of contracting monkeypox and should consider vaccination. Additionally, if you engage in sexual activity with multiple partners, you could also increase your chance of getting monkeypox.
Even if you’ve already been exposed, the CDC still recommends getting vaccinated as soon as possible to reduce the severity of symptoms.
If you’re not sure whether you should get vaccinated for monkeypox, contact our doctors at My Virtual Physician, and we’ll help you determine which course of action is right for your situation. If it’s deemed that you qualify for the vaccine, we’ll notify you when it is available at our hybrid clinic on Paradise Road in Las Vegas. Contact us today for more information about the monkeypox vaccine.
