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September 8, 2022
 As of September 2, 2022, more than 19,962 U.S. monkeypox cases have been reported across the United States, including nine in Lake County, IL. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting vaccinated and taking preventative steps to slow the spread of monkeypox.
The Lake County Health Department (LCHD) is providing the Jynneos vaccine to Lake County residents who meet the updated eligibility criteria set by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) AND expanded post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP++). The expanded eligibility now includes all sexually active gay, bisexual, other men who have sex with men, and sexually active transgender, non-binary, or gender nonconforming individuals.
As eligibility expands, we need your help. There are two ways those most at risk can get the vaccine:
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At the Lake County Health Department: Use the LCHD monkeypox vaccination screening tool to determine if your patient is eligible for monkeypox vaccination. Please call the LCHD Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Program at (847) 377-8450 to schedule a vaccine appointment at our clinic.
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At your clinic: If you would like to administer the Jynneos vaccine at your clinic, visit LCHD’s Monkeypox webpage to find and complete the necessary documentation. LCHD will distribute the Jynneos vaccine to clinics that qualify. For more information, please call the LCHD STI Program at (847) 377-8450.
Remind patients to isolate if monkeypox test results are PENDING or POSITIVE. See LCHD’s Monkeypox Patient Discharge Handout, and please share with patients.
- Avoid close or physical contact with other people and animals.
- Cover the lesions, wear a well-fitting mask, and avoid public transportation when leaving the home as required for medical care or an emergency.
- Wear a well-fitting mask to prevent the wearer from spreading oral and respiratory secretions when interacting with household members until the rash and all other symptoms have resolved.
- Patients should not share items that have been worn or handled with other people or animals.
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Launder or disinfect items that have been worn or handled and surfaces that have been touched by a lesion.
- Avoid crowds and congregate settings.
- Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after direct contact with the rash.
For more information related to the local monkeypox response, please visit the IDPH’s Monkeypox Dashboard and LCHD’s Monkeypox webpage.
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