Monkeypox – What You Need to Know
Anyone has the potential to get monkeypox, and everyone’s risk is different. We have compiled the most recent information so you can make informed choices in spaces or situations where monkeypox could be spread through close contact. Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urge individuals to remain aware of potential symptoms and “practice enhanced precautions.”
People with advanced HIV infection or not taking antiretroviral drugs might be at increased risk for severe disease if they get monkeypox. Monkeypox can be treated with the antiviral drug tecovirimat (TPOXX).
Vaccine Availability in Northeast Florida. Please click on the tabs above for additional information
Source: Florida Department of Health | Latest Update: 8/25/2022
Vaccine Availability
Duval County is now in Phase 3.
Individuals are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or a Ryan White provider to be vaccinated.
If an individual does not have a primary care provider or their primary care provider is not participating, another option to get vaccinated is by scheduling an appointment with any Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or the Florida Department of Health in Duval County. These locations are providing vaccines by appointment only.
Florida Department of Health in Duval County (904) 253-1130
Agape (904) 760-4904
Sulzbacher (904) 394-8069
- Vaccines are being provided to physicians/clinicians in the community (that make the vaccination request)
- Both the Hepatitis A vaccination and the quadrivalent meningococcal disease vaccination can be administered at the same time as the monkeypox vaccine
Vaccine Availability
In Clay County, monkeypox vaccines are presently only available to those that are at highest risk for contracting monkeypox and/or have been exposed to the virus. As vaccine supply increases, vaccines will be more broadly distributed through a phased method.
For more information on monkeypox or if you feel you may have been exposed, see your healthcare provider to begin the evaluation process of determining if they meet vaccination criteria.
If you do not have a primary care provider, you may contact a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC):
Aza Health
(352) 473-6595 | 100 Commercial Drive Keystone Heights, FL 32656
(904) 284-5904 | 1305 N Orange Ave Green Cove Springs, FL. 32043
Palms Medical Group
(904) 688-3000 | 2021 Professional Center Dr #100, Orange Park, FL 32073
Vaccine Availability
No information at this time - For more information, please contact Florida Department of Health - St. Johns County
904-506-6081 | 200 San Sebastian View Saint Augustine, Florida 32084
Vaccine Availability
No information at this time - For more information, please contact Florida Department of Health - St. Johns County
Main Health Department 904-259-6291 | 480 West Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 | Baker.Web@flhealth.gov
Vaccine Availability
No information at this time - For more information, please contact Florida Health Department - Nassau County
904-875-6100 | chd45webmaster@flhealth.gov | 1620 Nectarine Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
What is Monkeypox?
- Monkeypox is caused by a virus related to smallpox that typically produces flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash.
- Monkeypox was first discovered in laboratory monkeys in 1958, and the first human case was identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Before the current outbreak, monkeypox was mostly seen in Central and West Africa, though cases have periodically been detected elsewhere.
How is Monkeypox Transmitted?
- Monkeypox is transmitted through close and prolonged contact with someone who exhibits symptoms. This can include:
- Direct contact with infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
- Connection with contaminated materials (towels, bedding, and clothing)
- Respiratory droplets spread by prolonged face-to-face interaction
- Most experts agree that transmission occurs primarily when individuals are symptomatic
What are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?
- Monkeypox symptoms usually begin within two weeks of exposure
- Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches, as well as swollen lymph nodes
- The most common feature of monkeypox is a rash that usually appears on the face, in the mouth, or elsewhere on the body
- Sores caused by the virus, which may be painful or itchy, typically present as flat red spots and progress to firm, raised lesions that fill with clear fluid and then pus
- These sores may resemble common sexually transmitted infections
Who is at Risk for Monkeypox?
- Anyone can get monkeypox through close personal contact with the virus.
- Many cases have been linked to significant public events and gatherings
How Severe is Monkeypox?
- Most people with monkeypox recover within two to four weeks
- Severe outcomes are more common among children, pregnant people, and immunocompromised people
- People on antiretroviral therapy with well-controlled HIV do not appear to be at greater risk, but those with unsuppressed HIV and a low CD4 may encounter medical complications
- Severe outcomes are more common among children, pregnant people, and immunocompromised people
How is Monkeypox Treated?
- People with mild to moderate monkeypox usually do not require treatment beyond supportive care (i.e., bed rest, over-the-counter medications, etc.)
- For more severe cases, antiviral medications may be necessary.
Is there a Vaccine for Monkeypox?
- Smallpox vaccination can prevent monkeypox as well.
- Because monkeypox has a long incubation period, vaccines can be administered up to two weeks after exposure, but it is most effective if administered within four days.
What Should I Do If I Have a New Rash, Sores, or Other Symptoms?
- Avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until a healthcare provider has seen you.
- Avoid gatherings, especially if they involve close, personal, skin-to-skin contact.
- Cover sores with clothing or bandages to lower the risk of transmission
- Because the virus may be transmitted through respiratory droplets during face-to-face contact, cover coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid sharing personal items with others.