Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, Councilman Michael DeFusco, and Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise today announced the City will host its first monkeypox clinic on Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 4 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at 605 Jackson St. through a partnership with the Hudson Regional Health Commission.
Tuesday’s free monkepox clinic with Hudson Regional Health will offer the two-dose Jynneos vaccine authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August. Recipients will automatically be registered for their second dose of the vaccine at their first appointment.
The vaccine is available to any individuals who attended an event where known monkeypox exposure occurred with the previous 14 days as well as individuals that identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (MSM), and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary and who have a history of multiple or anonymous sexual partners within the past 14 days.
“We are continuing to prioritize public health in Hoboken, this time by providing the monkeypox vaccine in an easily accessible location within our Mile Square," said Mayor Bhalla. "While we know monkeypox can affect anyone, we also know that those in the LGBTQ+ community have been disproportionately impacted. I encourage anyone who meets the eligibility to get vaccinated at this clinic, to protect themselves and their community. Thank you to Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, Commissioner Anthony Romano, and the Hudson Regional Health Commission for partnering with us to provide our residents with the vaccine.”
“The vaccine isn’t just limited in supply, the stigma associated with this disease has prevented far to many people from getting vaccinated out of fear of judgement,” said Councilman Mike DeFusco. “Those who may not be openly gay and men who have sex with other men who do not always identify as gay are particularly vulnerable to this disease. I know far too well how intimidating gay-central healthcare can be, but the reality is the LGBTQ+ community has specific health needs that need to be discussed and treated without fear. I look forward to being the first person on line to be vaccinated at this clinic and I am grateful our community is doing its part to encourage individuals to live happy and healthy lives.”
“It is so important that we all come together to ensure that all Hudson County residents who need access to this vaccine are able to receive it, easily and free of charge,” said Hudson County Executive Tom Degise. “I am grateful to be working with the city of Hoboken to get this done, and encourage anyone who feels they might be at risk to sign up for an appointment today.”
The Hudson Regional Health Commission requires all those seeking a vaccine to fill out and bring a consent form.
To make an appointment, go to http://www.vaxhudson.org/.
To learn more about monkeypox, go to https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html.
For more information on Jynneos, click here.
For any questions regarding vaccination or monkeypox, contact the Hoboken Health Department at (201) 420-2000 EXT. 5211.
