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Expanded Monkeypox Vaccine Eligibility Criteria Announced by Louisiana Department of Health

The Louisiana Department of Health announced on August 31, 2022, that due to improved supplies, it is now able to expand eligibility for JYNNEOS, the monkeypox vaccine.

People in Louisiana who match one of the following requirements are eligible for immunization under the extended criteria:

• Gay/bisexual men or transgender people who are sexually active with more than one partner
• Anyone who is at high risk of monkeypox exposure: This includes but is not limited to people who:
• Are HIV positive or receive medicines to prevent HIV infection (PrEP)
• Are experiencing homelessness
• Use IV drugs
• Give or receive money or other goods in exchange for sex
• Have significant, skin-to-skin contact with others in a social or sexual venue
• Work at establishments where sexual or intimate activity occurs (e.g., bathhouses, saunas, sex clubs, hotels)
• Clinicians or laboratory staff who are at high risk of occupational exposure
• Anyone who has been determined to be at high risk by a healthcare provider or public health official

LDH has informed providers of the amended guidance, which is now in effect.

Follow this link to visit LDH’s monkeypox webpage or call 211 to find a nearby vaccine location or event.

“From the beginning of our response we have been eager to expand eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine. When supply was extremely limited, we restricted eligibility to those at greatest risk of exposure,” said State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter. “Thankfully, because of changes to how the vaccine can be administered, and increased vaccine procurement by our federal partners, we now have sufficient supply to expand eligibility and protect many more people in our state.”

About monkeypox

The CDC is closely monitoring recent cases of monkeypox in the United States. On July 7, 2022, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) discovered its first case of monkeypox in a Louisiana resident as part of the 2022 U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak. As of August 31, Louisiana had identified 183 cases of monkeypox in Louisiana citizens since the outbreak began in the United States in 2022.

In Louisiana, there are likely more undiagnosed human instances of monkeypox than have been properly tested and identified yet. The LDH will continue to update its monkeypox webpage (https://ldh.la.gov/monkeypox) with the most recent case count, guidelines, and resources for the public and providers.

Monkeypox, while not new, is a potentially dangerous viral illness caused by a virus not typically seen in the United States and spreads most frequently through close, physical contact. The disease can cause illness, including a potentially unpleasant rash that looks like bumps on your skin, blisters, or ulcers. Some patients experience a flu-like condition before developing a rash.

Early data from the CDC indicate that gay, bisexual, same-gender-loving, and other males who have sex with men account for a sizable proportion of cases. Anyone who has had close, personal contact with someone who has monkeypox, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can become infected.

Early detection is critical. If you develop an unexplained rash, sore, or blister, see your doctor to be tested.

About the monkeypox vaccine

Getting vaccinated against monkeypox can help prevent or lessen the severity of the disease.

The FDA-approved monkeypox vaccine is known as JYNNEOS; the series consists of two doses given 28 days apart. Two weeks after the second vaccine, full protection begins. Individuals can obtain the monkeypox vaccine for free.

Follow this link to visit LDH’s monkeypox webpage or call 211 to locate a nearby vaccine location or event.

Follow this link to report a typo or other issue.