VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health is set to host several free monkeypox vaccination clinics.
The Biden administration declared monkeypox a public health emergency earlier this month.
The CDC says monkeypox can spread in various ways:
- Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces used by someone with monkeypox.
- Contact with respiratory secretions.
According to health officials, the risk to the community is considered low at this time. Anyone can get and spread monkeypox; however, it is currently being spread by close contact with an infected person. The highest risk activity currently is sex with multiple or anonymous partners.
In Virginia, a two-dose series of a monkeypox vaccine (JYNNEOS) is recommended for individuals who identify with any of the following groups:
- All people, of any sexual orientation or gender, who have had anonymous or multiple (more than one) sexual partners in the last two weeks; or
- Sex workers (of any sexual orientation or gender); or
- Staff (of any sexual orientation or gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs (such as bathhouses, sex clubs)
Appointments are encouraged; however, walk-ins will be accepted.
Schedule your appointment time at the following links:
- Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon at Virginia Beach Department of Public Health, 4452 Corporation Lane
- Appointments: Monkeypox vaccinations
- Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at New Light Full Gospel Baptist Church, 5549 Indian River Road
- Appointments: Monkeypox vaccinations
- Thursday, Sept. 1, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Virginia Beach Department of Public Health, 4452 Corporation Lane
- Appointments: Monkeypox vaccinations
