Delaware expanding access and eligibility for Monkeypox vaccine

DOVER, Del. – Delaware public health officials are expanding access and eligibility for the Monkeypox vaccine.

Earlier this week, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced several Monkeypox virus updates, including the expansion of the vaccine to those who are immunocompromised.

Starting Sept. 5, DPH will expand access to the vaccine to Delawareans who have weakened immune systems. Conditions may include, but are not necessarily limited to: those with cancer, solid organ or stem cell transplants, those taking immunosuppressive therapy, and individuals with autoimmune disease.

“Patients who are undergoing cancer treatment, people with active cancer would be another example, some immunological diseases could also count under that description as well too, so really we’re relying on the primary care providers and specialists who really help make that determination for those who are at higher risk for Monkeypox,” explained DPH Interim Director, Dr. Rick Hong. “We want to empower folks to protect themselves against Monkeypox.”

DPH also announced the launch of a new Public Health Alert web portal providing access to an updated Monkeypox web page. The website, which can be found at de.gov/PublicHealthAlerts, was created by the Department of State’s Government Information Center and is a central landing page from which to access individual web pages for COVID-19, Monkeypox and flu. It is intended to highlight public health issues of elevated concern at the time.

“We started with those with HIV and those who are undergoing HIV PrEP,” Dr. Hong said. “We are now also offering those with high risk behaviors, of course those that are higher risk of getting exposed to begin with, and we anticipate expanding even more next week to those who are immunocompromised.”

When compared to other states, the outbreak appears to be more contained and not as widespread in Delaware.

“We’re officially at this time up to case number 25, yes our numbers are smaller than those in adjacent states, but that’s not surprising given that we have a smaller population and state,” Dr. Hong stated. “Also, I think we really have that good relationship with our community based organizations and partners to help spread the word quickly.”

Vaccines are available to those confirmed to have been exposed, or who are at higher risk of being exposed to the virus, as well as the immunocompromised, and those engaging in high-risk activities, including sexual practices, that increase exposure to the virus.

For those considering the vaccine, Dr. Hong suggests consulting your primary care physician.

“Talk to your primary care provider or specialist to find out whether you should get the vaccine or not,” Dr. Hong said. “We as public health, we don’t want to interfere with any specialized treatment, we definitely defer to their physicians, providers to really make that determination of what’s best for their patients.”

The vaccine, a two-dose series given 28 days apart, is not considered effective until two weeks after the second dose. Those at higher risk should continue to use preventive measures and reduce engaging in any high-risk behaviors until that time.

The symptoms of Monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. Most people who contract the virus will develop a rash, and some will develop flu-like symptoms beforehand. The flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they usually will develop a rash one to four days later.

DPH launched a hotline for individuals with questions or concerns about MPX. The hotline number is 866-408-1899 and is operational Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (It will be closed this Monday because of the Labor Day holiday.)

Questions may also be emailed to DPHCall@delaware.gov. Both the hotline number and email address share staff with the COVID-19 Call Center. To learn more about MPX prevention programs and resources, visit de.gov/monkeypox.