Get checked out. Have it tested. Protect yourself.
Wake County Public Health, along with federal, state, and local partners, are working closely to investigate and monitor the current nationwide outbreak of monkeypox. July 6, Wake County announced the first confirmed case of the virus in our department.
Vaccination
The Wake County Public Health Department has a limited supply of monkeypox vaccine. Residents who have been exposed to someone who has had monkeypox or who feel eligible to receive the vaccine can:
- Call our monkeypox call center at 919-212-9398Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
- Complete the online form below:
Monkeypox Vaccine Application Form
You are not guaranteed a vaccine by completing this form; however, if you receive a message at the end of the survey that you are eligible, our staff will call you to schedule a vaccination appointment as soon as the vaccine becomes available. If you are not yet eligible, you will be added to a list to potentially receive a vaccine in the future based on your risk factors and available supply.
Test
Screening for monkeypox is by appointment only. If you would like to be tested for monkeypox, please call ahead to 919-212-9398 to program.
Symptoms
Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that usually involves flu-like symptoms. According to the CDC, symptoms of monkeypox can include:
- Fever;
- Headache;
- Muscle pain and back pain;
- Swollen lymph nodes;
- Chills;
- Exhaustion; and
- A rash that may look like pimples or blisters appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus .
Monkey pox vaccine
Vaccines are available in limited quantities, free of charge, for people with known or suspected exposure to monkeypox. This includes:
- People who have been in close physical contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox in the past 14 days (post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP)
- Men who have sex with men, or transgender people, who report any of the following in the past 90 days:
- Having multiple or anonymous sexual partners
- Being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection
- Receiving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Certain health care workers and members of the public health response team designated by public health authorities
Wake County received the JYNNEOS vaccine, also known as Imvamune or Imvanex, which is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of monkeypox virus infection. According to the CDC, when properly administered before or after recent exposure, these vaccines are an effective tool in protecting people against disease. Our clinical staff will work with each patient individually on any special considerations, including asking you for a history of previous allergic reactions. JYNNEOS is safe to use if you have HIV. It is also safe if you suffer from eczema or other skin conditions, or if you suffer from other conditions that weaken your immune system.