Mecklenburg County Public Health Transitions to Administering Intradermal Monkeypox Vaccines

Used for 2023 budget cover

Beginning Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022, Mecklenburg County Public Health will begin administering the monkeypox vaccine intradermally to individuals 18 years of age and older who are determined to be at high risk for monkeypox infection. The change will increase the total number of doses available for use by up to five-fold. 

“This will allow us to serve more high-risk residents who are patiently waiting to be vaccinated and maximize the potential for us to contain this outbreak. I am so proud of our clinical team for pivoting and preparing to make this transition so quickly,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, director, Mecklenburg County Public Health. 

The FREE vaccine can prevent illness or lead to less severe symptoms if given within 2 weeks after exposure to monkeypox. Currently, the vaccine is being offered at no cost to adults 18 years of age and older who self-identify as high risk according to the following criteria: 

  • Identified close contacts to confirmed cases 

  • Men who have sex with men, or transgender people, who report one or more of the following in the last 90 days:   

  • Having multiple or anonymous sex partners  

    • Being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection 

    • Receiving HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) 

People who have monkeypox should NOT get vaccinated. People who have recovered are expected to have long-term immunity at this time and are not likely to benefit from vaccination. 

If you have questions,contact our hotline at 980-314-9400 (option 1 for English or 8 for Spanish) and select option 4, Monday- Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.