Below is an update from Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla on monkeypox:
As you may have heard, monkeypox cases are continuing to rise across the State. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, there have been 102 probable and confirmed cases of monkeypox in New Jersey. None of the cases reported to date are from Hoboken.
Last week, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) expanded eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine, which was previously available to residents with known exposure to a monkeypox case. Now, the JYNNEOS vaccine is available to residents at high risk of being exposed to the virus in the past 14 days.
However, the monkeypox vaccine is still only available in limited quantities in New Jersey. Currently, in our region, the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation (Project Living Out Loud!) In Jersey City and the North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI) in Newark have been provided vaccine doses for high risk individuals who have been exposed to monkeypox in the past 14 days. If you believe you fit the criteria, please call either of the two organizations to be considered for a vaccine appointment:
- Hyacinth AIDS Foundation/Project Living Out Loud! (Jersey City): 201-706-3480
- North Jersey Community Research Initiative (Newark): 973-483-3444, ext. 200
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed within the past 14 days can also contact their health care provider or the Hoboken Health Department at 201-420-2375 regarding testing and vaccine eligibility.
According to the NJDOH and CDC, the vaccine is currently available to:
- Individuals that attended an event where known monkeypox exposure occurred
- Individuals that identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (MSM), and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or non-binary and who have a history of multiple or anonymous sex partners within the past 14 days
Persons that have a condition that may increase their risk for severe disease if infected with monkeypox, such as a condition that weakens the immune system, or a history of atopic dermatitis or eczema, should be a high priority for vaccination if they have exposure risk as listed above.
According to the CDC, there are several steps that can be taken to prevent getting 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 sex 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.
If you are sick with monkeypox:
- Contact your health care provider
- Isolate at home
- If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible.
As indicated in my
prior update, anyone can get infected with and spread monkeypox, however a large percentage of cases in the region are being seen among men, or those who identify as men and having sex with other men.
For more information on monkeypox, please visit the following websites:
Thank you,
Ravi S. Bhalla
Mayor
