Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The first two Erie County monkeypox vaccine clinics filled up rapidly, and local health experts says those who have been exposed to monkeypox should get the vaccine soon.
Tracy Fricano Chalmers of the Niagara County Health Department says she's not surprised the sessions in Erie County filled quickly. "There seems to be a high demand for it. And a lot of people in both Erie and Monroe counties meet the qualifications and the criteria for the pre-exposure vaccine," says Chalmers. She adds she's pleased to see people seeking the vaccine.
Chalmers says anyone who's had exposure to a suspected or confirmed case of monkeypox within the past 14 days should be vaccinated. "We're hearing about high numbers of cases in the bisexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming communities, men who have sex with men, people with multiple sex partners seem to be at higher risk. And then anyone who might have had skin to skin contact in a sort of social situation," adds Chalmers.
Niagara County reported its first monkeypox case Monday. Chalmers says there hasn't been high concern in the county. "We did very detailed interview and contact investigation with the individual. There were no identified contacts. here in Niagara County or elsewhere. There was no one that we determined qualified for receipt of the post exposure prophylaxis vaccine," says Chalmers. She adds some have inquired about getting the vaccine. "We are we're getting some calls of people coming in," notes Chalmers. She says they've been trying to get vaccines in Erie County only to be told those vaccines are for Erie County residents.
UB's Dr. Tom Russo also isn't surprised by the interest in the vaccines. "I think vaccination is the secret to us getting on top of this present smoldering outbreak of cases," says Russo. He says to vaccinate those who are going to be at high risk and a risk for getting infection will help bring the outbreak in the US to the end..
Russo says the vaccine is a relatively new vaccine. "However, it's important to note that older individuals that were vaccinated with the smallpox vaccine, that previous vaccine may afford a small degree of protection against monkeypox. However, that vaccine has not been administered since 1972," says Russo. He notes if you feel that you've been in close contact, high risk, it would be prudent to go ahead and get vaccinated with this new vaccine.
Chalmers says Niagara County does not have any supply of monkeypox vaccine, but if there is a need to vaccinate, the county can work with the state to get needed supply.