Allegheny County Health Department making monkeypox vaccine available to more people

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — The Allegheny County Health Department is making the monkeypox vaccine available to more people in the county by distributing it in more locations.

The county is offering the vaccine at four new locations. Those locations are:

• Central Outreach Wellness Center, 127 Anderson Street, Suite 101, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
• Allies for Health + Wellbeing, 5913 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
• Metro Community Health Center, 1789 S Braddock Ave #410, Pittsburgh, PA 15218
• AHN Positive Health Clinic, 1307 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (only vaccinating current patients)

Vaccine eligibility varies on a case-by-case basis. Anyone who has been exposed to a person who has been diagnosed with monkeypox is eligible for the vaccine.

“The Health Department is offering the JYNNEOS vaccine to individuals at our Immunization Clinic who have had a high-risk exposure,” said ACHD medical epidemiologist Dr. Kristen Mertz. “The vaccine can prevent disease if given within four days of exposure to the virus. In some circumstances, the vaccine may be offered after four days in discussion with a vaccine provider.”

There have been 20 cases of monkeypox reported in Allegheny County.

RELATED COVERAGE: 8 new cases of monkeypox confirmed in Allegheny County, brings case total to 20

The first case in the area was reported on June 30 and more cases were reported in early July.

Monkeypox can be transmitted through close-contact interactions. The Allegheny County Health Department says monkeypox symptoms are commonly similar to those of smallpox. They include rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. Monkeypox symptoms are more mild and considered rarely fatal.

If you or someone you know believes they have been in close contact with the monkeypox virus and are eligible for the vaccine, you can call 412-687-2243.

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