The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is scheduled to host a free monkeypox vaccination clinic this Friday, August 26, at the Hinds County Health Department inside the Jackson Medical Mall.
During this event, there will be additional staff on-site to accommodate expanded vaccination appointments from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We want residents who are anxious to receive the vaccine because of potential contact to have no barriers to getting a timely appointment and getting vaccinated,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. “Anyone with potential contact to monkeypox who meets the current eligibility criteria for vaccination is invited to call and get an appointment now.”
Adults 18 and older may be eligible for the vaccine if:
- They have been in close physical contact (including household or sexual contact) with someone diagnosed with monkeypox,
- Or they identify as gay, bisexual, or as other men who have sex with men, or as a transgender individual, and they report:
- Having multiple or anonymous sex partners
- Having attended an event or venue where monkeypox may have been transmitted (for instance, by sex or skin-to-skin contact).
Monkeypox vaccinations are free and available by appointment only at health department locations in Lee, Panola, Leflore, Lowndes, Lauderdale, Adams, Hinds, Forrest and Harrison counties.
It is recommended to call the Monkeypox Call Center at 1-877-978-6453 to determine eligibility and to make a vaccination appointment at one of the participating health department clinics. Appointments can only be made through the call center.
If you are at risk for monkeypox, you can help prevent infection by avoiding close skin-to-skin or intimate contact with people who may be infected, and you should be vaccinated if you are eligible. If you develop a new or unexplained rash, especially if you have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox, isolate at home and contact your healthcare provider for testing.
For more information on monkeypox, click here.
As of Thursday, 23 monkeypox cases have been confirmed in Mississippi.
