Monkeypox vaccines are now available in Mississippi. Here’s how to get one.
Monkeypox vaccines are now available through the Mississippi Department in Health across the state, including in Harrison County.
The shots are available through health departments in nine counties across the state: Lee, Palona, Leflore, Lowndes, Lauderdale, Adams, Hinds, Forrest and Harrison.
People on the Coast who live in cities including Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs and Pascagoula should get the vaccine at Harrison County health department location.
Who qualifies for the monkeypox vaccine?
People 18 years or older may be eligible if:
- They have been notified or are aware of close intimate or sexual contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox.
- They identify as gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and have had more than one sex partner or attended an event or venue where monkeypox may have been transmitted.
While anyone can be infected by monkeypox, it has been more prevalent in men who have sex with men, said State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. A monkeypox vaccine event was held at a New Orleans gay bar earlier this week where 500 LGTBQIA people got their shots.
How do I get the monkeypox vaccine?
To get a vaccine, call the state’s Monkeypox Call Center at 1-877-978-6453. Appointments can only be made through the call center.
How many doses are available?
“Very few doses of monkeypox vaccine have been received in Mississippi. The two-dose vaccine is now being made available to those at highest risk for potential exposure to monkeypox, in addition to vaccination of those with known contact to cases identified through MSDH investigations,” the health department said in a press release.
How many monkeypox cases are confirmed in Mississippi?
As of Thursday afternoon, there are 11 monkeypox cases in the state.
This story was originally published August 11, 2022 at 4:06 PM.
