Boston Public Health Commission urges eligible residents to get vaccinated against monkeypox

In order to combat the spread of monkeypox, the Boston Public Health commission urged eligible recipients to receive the vaccine against the illness Wednesday.

The guidance comes on the heel of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s announcement last Thursday that 41 new cases of the disease had been found over a seven day period.

To increase the number of available vaccine doses, the JYNNEOS vaccine is now being administered into the skin rather than a muscle group. The change should still provide the same level on immunization and according to Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, should keep more people healthy.

“I’m optimistic that the new approach to monkeypox vaccination will allow us to vaccinate more people, help ensure vaccines are distributed equitably, and ultimately support our efforts to control this outbreak,” said Ojikutu. “Getting vaccinated against monkeypox is an effective way to prevent disease. I strongly encourage all residents who are eligible for vaccination to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.”

Those eligible to receive the vaccine include known contacts identified by a public health investigation, those who had a sexual partner in the past 14 days diagnosed with monkeypox or those who had multiple sexual partners in the past 14 days in an area with a known monkeypox case.

Those looking to get vaccinated can do so at the Boston Medical Center, Codman Square Health Center, Fenway Wealth, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center and the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Health Clinic. All vaccines are available by appointment only.

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