(KTRK) — Houston, Texas (USA). The JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine was sent this week to the Houston Health Department, which stated it had received 5,024 doses.
In accordance with HHD, the department will preserve 3,516 doses and give Harris County Public Health 1,508 doses.
There was a previous report that featured the video above.
Priority will be given to those who are known or assumed to be at high risk of exposure, according to officials.
The monkeypox vaccine has not been widely available due to a lack of supplies across the country, and health experts have stated that they do not encourage extensive vaccinations at this time.
Since monkeypox immunization is a two-dose series, taken four weeks apart, the health agency expects to be able to serve 1,758 people.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner welcomed the shipment of monkeypox vaccine and said he expects to receive more as long as there is a demand in the city. In order to protect those who are most vulnerable, I’ve instructed our health department to keep up the good work of informing and advocating for those in need.
On June 18, the Houston Department of Public Health revealed the city’s first verified case of monkeypox. The number of reported cases has steadily risen to 36, none of which have necessitated hospitalization, according to authorities.
HHD has been conducting contact tracing to ensure that people get vaccinated and to minimize the spread of the virus, according to the organization.
A variety of community events and educational sessions, as well as support for local Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), were used to disseminate information and educate the public about the monkeypox virus, according to the health department’s statements.
The health service set up a mobile vaccination clinic over the Fourth of July weekend to target suspected contacts of two confirmed cases, and 125 doses were provided.
Monkeypox, according to doctors, is extremely rare and can only be spread through direct skin-to-skin contact.
In addition to a fever, chills, weakness, and enlarged lymph nodes that resemble pimples or blisters are some of the symptoms of Ebola.
When in close proximity to an infected person’s rash, scabs or body fluids, monkeypox can be transmitted. Officials say the disease can also spread through contact with contaminated goods such as clothing or linens that have been exposed to a rash or bodily fluids.
According to HHD, the condition typically lasts two to four weeks, and it can spread from the moment symptoms begin until the rash is completely healed and a new layer of skin has formed.
Those who believe they have symptoms of monkeypox, such as a new, unexplained rash or lesions, should make an appointment with their doctor to be tested.
After distributing the vaccine to partnered clinicians within days, the government stated it will administer vaccines to referred clients in the meantime.