Latest: Houston Health Department receives shipment of more than 5,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine

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HHD intends to preserve 3,516 doses and donate 1,508 doses to Harris County Public Health out of the total of 5,024 doses.

SOUTHWEST TEXAS There were more than 5,000 monkeypox vaccination doses delivered to the Houston Health Department on Friday.

A related story from KHOU 11’s coverage of the monkeypox outbreak is included as an editor’s note.

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HHD proposes to preserve 3,516 doses and give 1,508 doses to Harris County Public Health out of the total of 5,024 doses.

According to HHD, persons who have been exposed to monkeypox, are suspected of having come into contact with the virus, or are at high risk of exposure will be given priority in receiving vaccine doses.

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.

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Monkeypox has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization.

Officials at HHD indicate that, for the time being, broad immunization is not recommended due to a shortage of vaccine across the country. In Texas, the CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services are in charge of dose distribution.

The director of the Houston Health Department (HHD) noted, “Our department has vigorously campaigned for a boost in the supply of monkeypox doses targeted to the Houston area.” In our community, the shipment signifies an important step in protecting those who are most vulnerable to the disease.

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According to HHD, the vaccination is a two-dose series, administered four weeks apart.

How does monkeypox spread?

  • The disease, which can cause a serious skin rash, appears to be spreading largely via direct contact with the skin or saliva of an infected person.
  • Monkeypox can spread from person to person through direct contact with the rash, scabs or bodily fluids like saliva.
  • It can also be transmitted with prolonged face-to-face contact via respiratory droplets.  
  • Pregnant women can transmit the virus to their fetus through the placenta.
  • At this time, it’s not known if monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids. However, the DSHS says the majority of Texas cases, so far, involve men who’ve had sex with other men. 

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