San Andreas, CA…Calaveras Public Health Opens Monkeypox Vaccination Site after California Proclaims State of Emergency. Over 1,100 cases of Monkeypox have been reported in California as the Governor declared a state of emergency beginning August 2nd. The emergency declaration allows local health departments across the state to utilize resources for testing, vaccination, and case investigation for Monkeypox prevention and response efforts.

On August 4th, Calaveras Public Health received a limited supply of JYNNEOS Monkeypox vaccines. Calaveras Public Health is working closely with local partners to make the vaccine available to eligible residents. On Thursday, August 11th the first Monkeypox vaccination site will be hosted in Calaveras County. Appointments are required and no walk-ins will be accepted due to limited vaccine supply.

Monkeypox is a rare illness caused by a virus. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and rarely fatal. Monkeypox is spread through:
 Direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs, or bodily fluids
 Respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex.
 Touching objects, fabrics (such as clothing) that previously touched the rash or body fluids of someone with Monkeypox
 Being scratched or bitten by an infected animal with Monkeypox
Anyone can get Monkeypox and it is a public health concern for all people. Monkeypox is a contact-based disease, not a sexually transmitted infection.

While certain groups are being infected at the moment, it has the potential to spread into the general population. People in close contact with respiratory secretions and skin lesions of someone infected with Monkeypox are at greatest risk. Calaveras Public Health urges people to understand how to protect themselves and how to protect each other to control the potential for spread.

Take the following steps to prevent the spread of Monkeypox, including:
 Always talking to your sexual partner/s about any recent illness and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner’s body, including on the genitals and anus
 Avoiding close contact, including sex, with people with symptoms like sores or rashes
 Practicing good hand hygiene
 People who become infected should isolate until their symptoms are improving or have gone away completely. Rash should always be well covered until completely healed.
 Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (like a mask, gown, and gloves) when caring for others with symptoms
 Avoiding contact with infected materials contaminated with the virus (like sharing towels, bedding, unwashed clothing or utensils)
 Avoiding contact with infected animals

If you have been exposed to Monkeypox, getting vaccinated may keep you from getting sick. Vaccination is most effective within four days of exposure but can help up to 14 days later. Vaccine supplies are limited and currently available only to people at greater risk, according to Calaveras County Public Health. The following people who live and work in Calaveras County are eligible to receive the vaccine at this time:
 To receive a first dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine you must be a Calaveras County resident 18 years of age or older who fulfills one or more of the following criteria:
 Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, trans and other gender-diverse people, and have had more than one sexual partner in the past 14 days
 Sex workers of any sexual orientation or gender identity
 Persons who have had close contact within the past 14 days with someone with suspected or confirmed Monkeypox
 Persons who had close contact with others at a venue or event or within a social group in the past 14 days where a suspected or confirmed Monkeypox case was identified. This includes persons who received notice from a venue or event of a potential exposure within the past 14 days
 Laboratory workers who routinely perform Monkeypox virus testing
 Clinicians who have had a high-risk occupational exposure (e.g., examined Monkeypox lesions or collected Monkeypox specimens without using recommended personal protective equipment).
Monkeypox vaccination appointment pre-registration is required to determine eligibility.
Registrants will need to answer a series of questions to verify eligibility. To pre-register for an appointment go to https://bit.ly/3SyhRgT. If you meet eligibility criteria, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment or added to a waitlist. Only at-risk, eligible residents will receive an appointment or be added to the waitlist at this time. Those who do not have internet access can call (209) 754-2896 to pre-register. Additional
vaccination clinics will be hosted as resources availability improves.
People with appointments should expect the following:
 Arrive to your appointment with a valid form of ID. Please be sure to arrive at your scheduled time (not any earlier). A form of ID will be required at the vaccination site. Valid forms of ID include: CA ID, CA Driver’s License, Utility Bill along with ID, etc.
 A mask covering your nose and mouth is required.
 Wear loose clothing to show upper arm.
 Do not attend the clinic if you are feeling unwell or experiencing Monkeypox symptoms.
 This must be your first dose of the Monkeypox vaccine.
 If you had Monkeypox, then a vaccine is not recommended.
 You may be turned away if you do not meet the requirements (even if you have scheduled an appointment).

While people currently not eligible for the Monkeypox vaccine wait their turn, Calaveras Public Health continues to urge the public to take the recommended prevention measures to protect their family and friends.

To receive information and resources related to Monkeypox visit the California Department of Public Health Monkeypox webpage.