Monkeypox Vaccination

The vaccine:

• The vaccine being administered against Monkeypox infection is called JYNNEOS

• JYNNEOS is a vaccine indicated for prevention of smallpox and monkeypox
  disease in adults 18 years of age and older determined to be at high risk for
  smallpox or monkeypox infection.

• The vaccine is not licensed for use in pregnant women and individuals less than
  18 years of age.

• Each individual is to be given two doses 28 days apart.

• Peak immunity is expected to be reached 14 days after the second dose of
  JYNNEOS vaccine. The duration of immunity after two doses of JYNNEOS is
  unknown.

• The most common injection site reactions are pain, redness, swelling, induration,
  and itching; the most common systemic adverse reactions are muscle pain,
  headache, fatigue, nausea, and chills.

• The Monkeypox vaccine can be administered for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).

• Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) refers to administering vaccine to someone at
  high risk for monkeypox, to prevent their getting infected, before they have been
  exposed to the virus.

• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) refers to the administration of the vaccine to
  someone at high risk for monkeypox, to prevent their getting infected, after they
  have been exposed to the virus.

• Individuals who have already had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis)
  after a previous dose of JYNNEOS should not be given a second dose

• Inform your health care provider if you have a history of severe allergic reaction
  (e.g., anaphylaxis) following gentamicin or ciprofloxacin or a history of severe
  allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to chicken or egg protein AND are currently
  avoiding exposure to all chicken or egg products so that the necessary
  precautions may be exercised.

Monkeypox vaccination strategy:

The Monkeypox vaccine is currently being provided free of charge by the Health
Department to individuals aged 18 years and over who are deemed to be high-risk
contacts of confirmed Monkeypox cases after assessment by the Public Health
authorities. It is being administered as Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). It is not
available for procurement from private clinics/pharmacies.

Individuals who are identified as high-risk contacts and thus considered to be eligible for
the Monkeypox vaccine as per current Monkeypox vaccination strategy, will be guided
by the Public Health contact tracing team accordingly and an appointment for
vaccination will be booked for them by Public Health.

If you suspect that you may have come into contact with someone who has symptoms of
Monkeypox but who has not been confirmed as a case, you are advised to monitor
yourself for symptoms for 21 days from last contact and abstain from any sexual activity
during this time-period. Should you develop any symptoms you are to isolate yourself
immediately, avoid close physical contacts with others and abstain from sexual activity.
You should also contact your GP, Health centre on 21231 231/21222 444 or the GU
Clinic on 2545 7494 to discuss your situation.

It is important to remember that you should always exercise precaution when engaging
in sexual activity. Avoid close contact with anyone who is exhibiting any symptoms and
always use condoms – although they do not prevent the spread of Monkeypox during
sexual contact they will prevent the transmission of other sexually transmitted infections.
Should you require any other information please contact the Helpline on 111.