Vaccine Access Expanded in Response to Rise in Mpox Cases in the Mecklenburg County Region

Person getting a flu shot

Public Health officials are seeing a rise in mpox cases in our region and across North Carolina. Since late 2023, six new cases of mpox were reported among Mecklenburg County residents. Since the beginning of the outbreak in July 2022, 255 cases have been reported in Mecklenburg County and 720 cases have been reported statewide.

In response, Mecklenburg County Public Health (MCPH) is working with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) to increase the availability of the JYNNEOS vaccine, a two-dose vaccine that reduces the chance of infection and severity of symptoms if given prior to or within 7 days of exposure to the mpox virus.  NC DHHS is providing additional vaccine doses to MCPH and other local healthcare providers. In addition to expanding opportunities for vaccination as outlined below, MCPH launched community engagement and marketing efforts to raise awareness and increase vaccine uptake among the highest-risk groups.

“What we learned from the 2022 outbreak is that vaccines and education are highly effective at slowing and containing new infections,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health director. “Even though the recent increase in cases is limited, we are ramping up our efforts to ensure residents at greatest risk have the resources they need to avoid infection.”

Vaccines are available at no cost and are effective at reducing risk of mpox infection and disease severity. Vaccines are available by appointment by calling MCPH at 704-336-6500 or walking in to a Public Health clinic during business hours:

In addition, during the first week of February, the MCPH will be offering mpox services at the following locations:

  • Monday, Feb. 5, noon – 3 p.m., Skin’tique Beauty Bar, 1202 Beatties Ford Rd. (testing and vaccination in the Mobile Unit)
  • Tuesday, Feb. 6, 6 – 8 p.m., Atrium Health Northpark, 251 Eastway Dr. (testing only inside the building)
  • Thursday, Feb. 8, 1 – 4 p.m., Ella B Scarborough Community Resource Center, 430 Stitt Rd. (testing and vaccination in the mobile unit)

Visit the Public Health mpox webpage for current vaccine eligibility criteria and get information about mpox symptoms, testing, and safety precautions. People experiencing symptoms of MPox like rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches and backache, headache, and respiratory issues (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough) should get tested and seek medical care. Antivirals can ease symptoms but must be prescribed by a healthcare provider.

For statewide data, visit https:/ncdhhs.gov/mpox.