Oklahoma expands monkeypox vaccine eligibility again. Here's who can get a shot

Dana Branham, Oklahoman
·2 min read

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has expanded eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine again, now offering it to people for pre-exposure prophylaxis — meaning as a preventative measure before possible exposure.

To date, Oklahoma has recorded 24 cases of monkeypox. The Health Department announced the change to eligibility guidelines Friday.

"We are excited to move to the next phase of our JYNNEOS vaccine rollout and offer vaccine to more Oklahomans,” state epidemiologist Jolianne Stone said in a statement. “We know vaccines play a critical role in helping to stop the transmission of many diseases, including monkeypox.”

Here’s what you need to know.

More:Why do some cities have a one-dose vaccine strategy for monkeypox, and is it effective?

Who’s eligible

Monkeypox vaccines are available to:

  • People who have had a known or presumed exposure to monkeypox

  • Skin-to-skin contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox

  • Sex or other skin-to-skin contact at an event or venue linked with monkeypox cases

They’re also available to people in certain groups who want protection prior to or after a possible exposure to monkeypox. Here’s who’s eligible:

Anyone who identifies as a gay or bisexual man, man who has sex with men, or transgender person and has had the following within the past 14 days or plans to in the near future:

  • Sex with two or more partners

  • Sex at a commercial sex venue

  • Sex in association with an event or venue

  • Sex in a geographical area where monkeypox is circulating in the community at high levels

More:Looking for a monkeypox vaccine in Oklahoma County? Here's where to go

What changed

When Oklahoma first began vaccinating for monkeypox, the vaccines were only available to people with a known or suspected exposure to monkeypox and certain health care workers.

Last week, people who may have had an exposure to monkeypox were added to the eligible group, and Friday, health officials expanded access to vaccinations for people prior to a possible exposure.

How to get an appointment

Monkeypox vaccinations are available at county health departments across the state.

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department is offering them at a drive-through clinic at its northeast campus. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 405-419-4200.

Oklahomans can also call 211, option 8, to get more information about monkeypox vaccinations.

More:More Oklahomans will soon be eligible for monkeypox vaccinations

What to do if you think you have monkeypox

Monkeypox symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash of fluid-filled bumps on the skin that eventually scab over and fall off.

If you think you have monkeypox or you have questions about symptoms, contact your health care provider or the state Health Department’s on-call epidemiologist at 405-426-8710.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Who's eligible for monkeypox vaccine under Oklahoma's new guidelines