Illinois expects shipments of monkeypox vaccine

Monkeypox vaccine Photo credit Getty Images

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Illinois is receiving a shipment of vaccines to address the ongoing outbreak of monkeypox virus.

State health officials say they expect to receive more than 4,500 doses of the vaccine, with most of them going to Chicago.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting 46 probable monkeypox virus cases in Illinois, mostly in the city.

The vaccine will be earmarked for those at higher risk of exposure, including those who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox virus, the Illinois Department of Public Health said.

Federal authorities say the number of available vaccine doses is expected to increase in coming months. The CDC also reportedly is taking steps to increase testing capacity.