Delaware News


DPH Announces Expanded Monkeypox Vaccination Access and Vaccination During AIDS Walk Delaware Events On September 17

Delaware Health and Social Services | Division of Public Health | News | Date Posted: Monday, September 12, 2022



The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is sharing upcoming opportunities for individuals to get vaccinated against the monkeypox virus (MPX). The current case count for MPX in the state is 33, including 22 cases in New Castle County, two cases in Kent County, and nine cases in Sussex County. Delaware continues to offer vaccinations to people at a higher risk of exposure. 

DPH and Beebe Healthcare are partnering with AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium to offer MPX vaccination during the Sept. 17 AIDS Walk events in New Castle and Sussex counties. The AIDS Walk events are being held at Brandywine State Park in Wilmington and in Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach. Individuals do not need to be registered for the walk to be vaccinated. Pre-registration to receive the vaccine at the Brandywine State Park location with DPH can be done by calling the monkeypox hotline at 866-408-1899.  It is operational Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Vaccinations will be administered between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The vaccine is free. 

Pre-registration is not required for vaccination at the Rehoboth Beach event with Beebe Healthcare, being held between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Staff will provide onsite assistance to schedule second doses. Individuals should bring their ID and insurance card.  While the vaccine is free, there may be a small administration fee (less than $30), which typically is covered by insurance, but may be billable to a patient without insurance coverage. 

Additional details about the AIDS Walk itself can be found at: https://aidsdelaware.salsalabs.org/2022AIDSWalkDelaware/index.html.

DPH is also announcing that it is expanding vaccine access to those deemed to be at a higher risk for MPX infection such as those treated for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last six months, people who fall into any of the identified high-risk categories who are also experiencing homelessness or incarceration, or individuals traveling to an area with community spread of MPX cases. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not encouraging vaccination against monkeypox for the broader public or for everyone who is sexually active.

 

Vaccines are also available to those at highest risk including:

  •  Those confirmed to have been exposed to someone with the virus
  •  Persons known or presumed to be exposed to someone with MPX in the last 14 days
  • Certain individuals who have sex with men and who have had multiple sex partners within the past 14 days
  •   Those living with HIV or who are receiving HIV PrEP
  •  Immunocompromised persons (including those with cancer, solid organ or stem cell transplants, those taking immunosuppressive therapy, and individuals with autoimmune disease)
  • Those engaging in high-risk activities, including sexual practices, that increase exposure to MPX, such as: 

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and have had multiple, or any, anonymous sexual partners in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity, this includes meeting partners through an online website, digital application (“app”), or social event (e.g., a bar or party)

o   Transgender women or nonbinary persons assigned male at birth who have sex with men

o   Sex workers (of any sexual orientation/gender)

o   Staff (of any sexual orientation/gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs (e.g., bathhouses, saunas, sex clubs) 

·        

Individuals should be aware that the vaccine, a two-dose series given 28 days apart, is not considered effective until two weeks after the second dose. Those at higher risk should continue using preventive measures and reduce engaging in high-risk behaviors both prior to, and after, vaccination to reduce the chance of continued spread of MPX in the community.

 

Eligible Delawareans may also receive monkeypox vaccinations at: 

 

  • Newark Urgent Care – Visit NewarkUrgentCare.org to view eligibility requirements and schedule an appointment. Vaccine clinics are on Thursdays, and there is no cost for the vaccine.
  • Beebe Healthcare: Individuals can schedule an appointment at beebehealthcare.org/online-scheduling. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
  • DPH clinics: Individuals should call the MPX hotline at 866-408-1899 for a screening evaluation. Walk-ins at DPH clinics will not be accepted. Monkeypox vaccinations at DPH clinics will continue to prioritize individuals at highest risk, as a result of confirmed or potential exposure to someone with MPX. As a result, your appointment may be scheduled a few days out.

Signs and Symptoms

 

The symptoms of MPX are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. Most people who contract MPX will develop a rash, and some will develop flu-like symptoms beforehand. The flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they usually will develop a rash one to four days later.

 

If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms associated with MPX you should immediately: 

 

  • Contact your health care provider and discuss your symptoms and concerns.
  • Self-isolate until all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
  • Avoid being intimate with others.
  • Make a list of your close and intimate contacts in the last 21 days.

It can take three to four weeks for all symptoms to fully heal.  While there is no specific treatment for MPX, antivirals can be prescribed, though they are not always needed. To learn more information about monkeypox, please visit de.gov/monkeypox. DPH began posting MPX case and vaccine data on the website last week.

DPH launched a hotline for individuals with questions or concerns about MPX. The hotline number is 866-408-1899 and is operational Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions may also be emailed to DPHCall@delaware.gov. Both the hotline number and email address share staff with the COVID-19 Call Center. To learn more about MPX prevention programs and resources, visit de.gov/monkeypox.

# # # 

 

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. 

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.

 

 

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DPH Announces Expanded Monkeypox Vaccination Access and Vaccination During AIDS Walk Delaware Events On September 17

Delaware Health and Social Services | Division of Public Health | News | Date Posted: Monday, September 12, 2022



The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is sharing upcoming opportunities for individuals to get vaccinated against the monkeypox virus (MPX). The current case count for MPX in the state is 33, including 22 cases in New Castle County, two cases in Kent County, and nine cases in Sussex County. Delaware continues to offer vaccinations to people at a higher risk of exposure. 

DPH and Beebe Healthcare are partnering with AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium to offer MPX vaccination during the Sept. 17 AIDS Walk events in New Castle and Sussex counties. The AIDS Walk events are being held at Brandywine State Park in Wilmington and in Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach. Individuals do not need to be registered for the walk to be vaccinated. Pre-registration to receive the vaccine at the Brandywine State Park location with DPH can be done by calling the monkeypox hotline at 866-408-1899.  It is operational Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Vaccinations will be administered between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The vaccine is free. 

Pre-registration is not required for vaccination at the Rehoboth Beach event with Beebe Healthcare, being held between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Staff will provide onsite assistance to schedule second doses. Individuals should bring their ID and insurance card.  While the vaccine is free, there may be a small administration fee (less than $30), which typically is covered by insurance, but may be billable to a patient without insurance coverage. 

Additional details about the AIDS Walk itself can be found at: https://aidsdelaware.salsalabs.org/2022AIDSWalkDelaware/index.html.

DPH is also announcing that it is expanding vaccine access to those deemed to be at a higher risk for MPX infection such as those treated for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last six months, people who fall into any of the identified high-risk categories who are also experiencing homelessness or incarceration, or individuals traveling to an area with community spread of MPX cases. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not encouraging vaccination against monkeypox for the broader public or for everyone who is sexually active.

 

Vaccines are also available to those at highest risk including:

  •  Those confirmed to have been exposed to someone with the virus
  •  Persons known or presumed to be exposed to someone with MPX in the last 14 days
  • Certain individuals who have sex with men and who have had multiple sex partners within the past 14 days
  •   Those living with HIV or who are receiving HIV PrEP
  •  Immunocompromised persons (including those with cancer, solid organ or stem cell transplants, those taking immunosuppressive therapy, and individuals with autoimmune disease)
  • Those engaging in high-risk activities, including sexual practices, that increase exposure to MPX, such as: 

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and have had multiple, or any, anonymous sexual partners in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity, this includes meeting partners through an online website, digital application (“app”), or social event (e.g., a bar or party)

o   Transgender women or nonbinary persons assigned male at birth who have sex with men

o   Sex workers (of any sexual orientation/gender)

o   Staff (of any sexual orientation/gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs (e.g., bathhouses, saunas, sex clubs) 

·        

Individuals should be aware that the vaccine, a two-dose series given 28 days apart, is not considered effective until two weeks after the second dose. Those at higher risk should continue using preventive measures and reduce engaging in high-risk behaviors both prior to, and after, vaccination to reduce the chance of continued spread of MPX in the community.

 

Eligible Delawareans may also receive monkeypox vaccinations at: 

 

  • Newark Urgent Care – Visit NewarkUrgentCare.org to view eligibility requirements and schedule an appointment. Vaccine clinics are on Thursdays, and there is no cost for the vaccine.
  • Beebe Healthcare: Individuals can schedule an appointment at beebehealthcare.org/online-scheduling. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
  • DPH clinics: Individuals should call the MPX hotline at 866-408-1899 for a screening evaluation. Walk-ins at DPH clinics will not be accepted. Monkeypox vaccinations at DPH clinics will continue to prioritize individuals at highest risk, as a result of confirmed or potential exposure to someone with MPX. As a result, your appointment may be scheduled a few days out.

Signs and Symptoms

 

The symptoms of MPX are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. Most people who contract MPX will develop a rash, and some will develop flu-like symptoms beforehand. The flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they usually will develop a rash one to four days later.

 

If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms associated with MPX you should immediately: 

 

  • Contact your health care provider and discuss your symptoms and concerns.
  • Self-isolate until all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
  • Avoid being intimate with others.
  • Make a list of your close and intimate contacts in the last 21 days.

It can take three to four weeks for all symptoms to fully heal.  While there is no specific treatment for MPX, antivirals can be prescribed, though they are not always needed. To learn more information about monkeypox, please visit de.gov/monkeypox. DPH began posting MPX case and vaccine data on the website last week.

DPH launched a hotline for individuals with questions or concerns about MPX. The hotline number is 866-408-1899 and is operational Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions may also be emailed to DPHCall@delaware.gov. Both the hotline number and email address share staff with the COVID-19 Call Center. To learn more about MPX prevention programs and resources, visit de.gov/monkeypox.

# # # 

 

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. 

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.

 

 

image_printPrint

Related Topics:  , , ,


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.