Be Proud of Your MPX VAX

Erie County Department of Health

Mpox cases are on the rise during 2024. Pride season is here, and the summer of 2022 saw a significant rise in cases. But you can get vaccinated to prevent the spread and infection. The Erie County Department of Health [ECDH] is providing both doses of JYNNEOS to the public during our weekly Sexual Health Clinic. For more information about mpox and for private, confidential vaccination at no cost, call 814-451-6700 at the Erie County Department of Health.

Starting in the summer of 2022, men who have sex with men in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States saw an outbreak of a communicable disease that beforehand was seen mainly due to travel from Central or West Africa. Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, is part of a family of viruses that cause disease in both humans and many types of animals. As of early May 2024, the US has seen over 760 confirmed cases compared to 335 cases at the same time one year prior, nearly double the previous amount. These cases and deaths are specific to the type of Mpox that spread in 2022. Due to ease of travel, exposure can be higher than ever before, and Erie County has confirmed cases of MPX in the past month.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine JYNNEOS vaccination of two doses for people 18 years and older at risk for mpox. This includes men who have sex with men, as well as transgender or non-binary persons that have in the past six months had: one or more new sexually transmitted diseases, more than one partner, sex in association with a large public event, sex in exchange for money or other items, and individuals diagnosed with HIV. In addition, people who may have these experiences also are recommended to get both doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Contact your family doctor to get vaccinated or give us a call at ECDH, 814-451-6700.