Update: Expanded Vaccination Criteria for Monkeypox

Mecklenburg County’s Public Health Department has announced updated information on vaccinations for Monkeypox. The vaccination criteria has expanded, allowing more individual access. More information is available here.  

Get the most current information about the global outbreak from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and more about the outbreak in North Carolina from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). 

The monkeypox virus is spread through close, often skin-to-skin, contact with an infected person. Being aware of symptoms in others and practicing good hygiene and safer sex are the best ways to avoid infection. 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. People who are symptomatic with rash should instead be tested. If the monkeypox test is negative and the patient meets current criteria, they may be vaccinated. People who have symptoms that do not include a rash and believe they may have monkeypox should isolate for 72 hours. If no skin lesions appear in that time, they can leave isolation and get vaccinated.

Previous Update:

Mecklenburg County Public Health announced updated information on eligibility for vaccinations for Monkeypox. Beginning July 25, 2022, the vaccination criteria are expanded to additional residents at higher risk of exposure to the virus. More details available here. Get up-to-date information about the current U.S. outbreak from the CDC and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

The monkeypox virus is spread through close, often skin-to-skin, contact with an infected person. Being aware of symptoms in others and practicing good hygiene and safer sex are the best ways to avoid infection.