The Georgia Department of Public Health has launched an online, centralized scheduling tool and helpline to locate and make appointments for the monkeypox vaccine.
The scheduling tool allows users to choose a first or second dose of Jynneos™ monkeypox vaccine from a dropdown menu. Because monkeypox vaccine supplies remain limited, users will be asked to answer a series of questions to help the Department of Public Health prioritize vaccines to those who may have been exposed to monkeypox. The questions follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for administering monkeypox vaccine, state public health officials say.
The monkeypox scheduling tool simplifies finding vaccine and scheduling a monkeypox vaccination anywhere in the state by having all available appointments in one place instead of having to search individual health department websites. The availability of vaccines will be updated regularly to reflect vaccine allocations Georgia receives from the federal government.
To schedule a monkeypox vaccine visit dph.ga.gov/monkeypox and click on the Learn More tab under “Find a Vaccine and Register for an Appointment”. You may also call the Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line at (888) 457-0186.
What is monkeypox and how to avoid it
Monkeypox is a virus that can cause a rash, bumps, or sores on or near the genitals, or anal area, but also on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. These sores can be very painful.
The monkeypox virus can also cause flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough.
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The monkeypox virus can spread from person to person through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. While more than 90% of those affected in the current global outbreak are gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox can be infected.
If you think you may have monkeypox, seek testing as soon as possible. To avoid the potential spread of monkeypox to others, stay isolated until your rash has healed, and a new layer of skin has formed.
There are things you can do to protect yourself from 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.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
For more information about monkeypox, visit https://dph.georgia.gov/monkeypox or https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html.
