OC Health Care Agency begins administering second Monkeypox vaccine doses

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To limit the spread of monkeypox disease in Orange County, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) will begin offering second dose vaccinations this week to individuals who received the first dose to complete the two-dose vaccination series. JYNNEOS vaccines are still in very short supply and are being offered to those at highest risk.

The recent change in the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the JYNNEOS vaccine, allowing the vaccine to be given intradermally vs. subcutaneously, expands the ability to protect more residents from the spread of monkeypox. With the arrival of additional vaccine doses this week, residents who received their first dose more than 28 days ago can receive their second dose in the following ways:

  • Residents who received their first dose through their healthcare provider should contact their provider for second dose scheduling and availability.
  • Residents who received their first dose through the HCA will receive an email from Othena with second dose clinic appointment availability as close to the due date for second doses as possible. Please respond quickly to notification from Othena to assist us in managing the short supply chain timelines.

Eligible residents needing their first dose can now register by visiting www.othena.com to join the virtual queue. In line with the new FDA directives, all first and second doses will be administered intradermally, unless contraindicated.

Intradermal administration of JYNNEOS is both effective and safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the EUA allowing the JYNNEOS vaccine to be given between layers of the skin (intradermally) for people 18 years of age and older at high risk for monkeypox infection on August 9, 2022. The EUA also allows the vaccine to be given beneath the skin (subcutaneously) for people younger than 18 years of age at high risk for monkeypox infection.

Those without access to the internet or needing help with registration through Othena, can call the HCA Health Referral Line for more information, including general information, testing, treatment, and vaccines at 1-800-564-8448 (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

For more information on Monkeypox in Orange County including resources, case counts, testing and vaccine eligibility, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/monkeypox.