Monkeypox Vaccines in the US: Where Are They Available and How to Get Them

US records increase in monkeypox cases 1:56

(CNN Spanish) --

Currently in the United States there are two vaccines available against monkeypox and the Government is distributing them throughout the country, mainly to the states where the incidence of cases is higher: New York, California, Florida and Illinois.

So far, there have been 5,800 confirmed cases of monkeypox across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Due largely to shortages, at this time not the entire population is eligible to receive either of the two monkeypox vaccines, except for those who have had direct contact with an infected person or who are considered high-risk as such. laboratory workers performing diagnostic tests, according to the CDC.

The two available vaccines are: Jynneos, tested and developed to treat monkeypox infection and manufactured by Bavarian Nordic, and ACAM2000, used to treat smallpox and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). in English) against monkeypox but should not be used in people who have certain health conditions such as a weak immune system or skin conditions, the CDC explains.

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With the exception of Florida, both New York, California and Illinois have declared a state of emergency over the outbreak of this disease as it spreads across the country.

This declaration allows emergency medical services personnel in each of the states to administer FDA-approved monkeypox vaccines.

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Where are monkeypox vaccines available?

Since the end of June, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been sending doses of the Jynneos vaccine to states where transmission is highest and where there are populations at higher risk.

Although it has also reserved "a small amount" of doses for the rest of the country.

As of July 27, more than 300,000 doses of this vaccine had been distributed.

Among the states that have received the most doses are: New York (62,239), California (61,271), Florida (36,800) and Illinois (28,307).

State emergency declared in California for monkeypox 0:38

How to receive the monkeypox vaccines?

According to HHS, vaccines are offered on a priority basis to all risk groups, including:

• Those who have had direct physical contact with an infected person

• Those with an infected sexual partner

• Those who have had sexual intercourse in an area where an outbreak of monkeypox has been identified

• Some health workers who treat infected people

The vaccine can work even if it is given after someone has been exposed, so the CDC recommends that people get vaccinated within four days of the date of exposure to reduce symptoms of illness.

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If you think you are part of these risk groups, health authorities in the United States recommend contacting your doctor or local health department for guidance on whether or not you are eligible to receive a vaccine.

In addition, you can make an appointment for the vaccine through your state or local health department.

Due to a shortage of monkeypox vaccines, public health departments in each state are prioritizing doses for those who are "at very high risk" for the disease.

Long lines to receive the monkeypox vaccine 1:08

With reporting from CNN's Jacqueline Howard and Brenda Goodman

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