New York – More monkeypox vaccine appointments were released on Tuesday afternoon.
This was welcome news for those concerned who think that they may have been exposed. But as CBS2’s Natalie Dudridge pointed out, they still ain’t easy to find.
While waiting in line at the Chelsea Sexual Health Clinic, dozens tried to get one of the few walk-up vaccine slots. More slots were issued at 1 pm, but within minutes it appeared they were all gone.
One person said, “I have friends who have it and we were with them. We just wanted to be preventive.” “They’re saying [it is] Looks more terrible like chickenpox.”
Health experts say that if you think you may have been infected, call your doctor and try to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Within the first probably four days after exposure is when we think vaccination is likely to be most effective for prevention. We think it can take anywhere up to three weeks after someone develops symptoms,” says Dr. Andrew Goodman – Lorde Community Health Center.
Currently, there are 238 cases in New York state, including 223 in the city, which is considered the epicenter of the outbreak.
Doctors say that anyone can get monkeypox, but current cases are mainly spread through close contact in gay and bisexual communities. Symptoms include a rash and sores that can be painful and last anywhere from two to four weeks.
The White House said it was sending more than 14,000 shots to the city this weekend.
Please click here for more information on where to find vaccines and when the next batch will be available.
The city’s health department also launched a text alert system for information about vaccine appointments and more. Please text “monkeypox” to 692-692 to receive those updates.
Natalie Dudridge
