As monkeypox cases in Georgia, approach 100 state health officials are considering ways to make vaccinations more accessible despite low supply levels.
In a Friday afternoon press release, the Georgia Department of Public Health said they are working on setting up an online scheduling tool for monkeypox vaccinations. It comes amid a growing number of cases in the Peach State.
As of Friday, DPH has confirmed 93 cases in Georgia among men from Metro Atlanta. Because of this, their vaccination efforts are concentrated in Fulton, Dekalb, Gwinnett, Cobb and Clayton counties.
So far, the state has received 3,000 doses of the two-shot JYNNEOS vaccine-- Which is enough to vaccinate 1,500 people. The state has distributed the doses for vaccination events in two metro counties. Last Saturday, a vaccination event in Fulton County administered 200 doses, and appointments filled up in less than two hours.
While there are no residency requirements for the shots, officials reserve them for high-risk groups, including those exposed by close contact or healthcare and lab workers.
Find more tips from the Georgia Department of Public Health below:
While monkeypox does not spread like COVID-19, everyone should take steps to protect themselves from monkeypox.
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have close personal contact with someone with monkeypox.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
For more information on Monkeypox click here.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2022/7/1117438/monkeypox-vaccine-access-top-of-mind-for-health-officials