PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Anyone in Philadelphia who believes they are likely to be exposed to monkeypox is now eligible to get vaccinated, according to city health officials.
Previously the supply of vaccine was small enough that eligibility for vaccination had been restricted to the most vulnerable population — men who have sex with men. With supplies no longer as limited, all vulnerable Philadelphians are now strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, the city’s Department of Public Health announced Wednesday.
The number of cases in Philadelphia has been steadily dropping since mid-August, according to the health department, as hundreds of people were receiving vaccinations every week. Now, only a handful of cases are being identified per week.
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“Monkeypox is not over yet, but containing it is in sight,” said Deputy Health Commissioner Dr. Frank Franklin, crediting partners in the city’s LGBTQ community for the vaccination of more than 6,700 people and a resulting drop in cases.
Of Philadelphia’s 544 monkeypox cases, three-quarters have been men, 88% have been 20-49 years old, and 60% have been Black or African American.
The health department says the vaccine is available at a number of walk-in sites, and they are working with local community organizations to set up more clinics.
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Locations
Walk-in monkeypox vaccinations are available at city health centers every Tuesday morning from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and at Rite Aid locations during regular pharmacy hours. More information is available online.
West Philadelphia
—Health Center 3 Annex, 4219 Chester Ave.
—Rite Aid, 136 N. 63rd St.
North Philadelphia
—Berks Street Annex, 2001 W. Berks St.
—Rite Aid, 212 W. Lehigh Ave.
—Rite Aid, 3260 N. Broad St.
Northeast Philadelphia
—Health Center 10 Annex, 2230 Cottman Ave.
—Rite Aid, 3200-92 Red Lion Rd.
—Rite Aid, 6515 Castor Ave.
Northern Liberties/Fishtown
Health Center 6 Annex, 301 W. Girard Ave.
South Philadelphia
—Rite Aid, 10 Snyder Ave.
—Rite Aid, 2017-2023 S. Broad St.
—Rite Aid, 810-814 S. Broad St.
—Rite Aid, 704-20 E. Passyunk Ave.
—Rite Aid, 801 S. 9th St.