Hi, I’m Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, the Health Officer for Anne Arundel County. Welcome to our Weekly Health Update. We continue to get questions about the vaccines for monkeypox so let’s talk about that.
Jynneos is a vaccine for monkeypox and it’s given as two doses 4 weeks apart. Recently, the FDA released an Emergency Use Authorization, allowing the vaccine to be given at a lower dose.
What’s the new dosing regimen for JYNNEOS?
The original approval for the JYNNEOS vaccine was for two 0.5 mL doses administered 4 weeks apart, and given subcutaneously, like an insulin shot. The alternative regimen allows the use of a lower dose, 0.1 mL of vaccine administered 4 weeks apart, given intradermally, like a skin TB test. This will allow up to 5 times as many people to get vaccinated.
Is the new dose of the vaccine still effective?
Yes. Data shows that the new lower dose given intradermally provokes a similar immune response as the higher subcutaneous dose. Of note, the new intradermal dose does result in more redness, firmness, itchiness and swelling at the injection site.
How can I get vaccinated?
Even with the change in dosing, supply of the vaccine is still limited. Our focus is on vaccinating people at the highest risk of being exposed to monkeypox. This will also give us the best chance of interrupting chains of transmission to prevent spread.
Vaccination will be available to people who meet the CDC’s current eligibility criteria. This includes
∙ People with close contact with someone with monkeypox
∙ Men who have sex with men who have had intimate or sexual contact with new, multiple, or anonymous partners in the last 14 days and with high risk medical conditions.
We are reaching out to people who qualify for vaccines at this time. We will expand access to vaccination as additional vaccines become available in the coming weeks and months. We encourage you to keep checking our website for updates.
Stay safe and be kind to yourself and others. We’ll see you next week.
