Anyone can get monkeypox, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, but until vaccine supplies increase further, it is important to prioritize those most likely to be exposed in the current context.
The approved JYNNEOS (Gin-E-Oos) vaccine provides the best protection from monkeypox for those who are at greatest risk.
Vaccines are available to protect against monkeypox or to reduce disease severity. NCDHHS has expanded the vaccine eligibility criteria to include:
- Anyone who had close contact in the past two weeks with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox; or
- Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals, who are sexually active; or
- People who have had sexual contact with gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals in the past 90 days; or
- People living with HIV, or taking medication to prevent HIV (PrEP), or who were diagnosed with syphilis in the past 90 days.
- People who have had any of the following in the past 6 months:
- Sex at a commercial sex venue
- Sex in association with a large public event
- Sexual partners of people with the above risks
- People who anticipate experiencing the above risks
If you are a student and believe you have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider at the Student Health Center at 704-687-7400 or contact your healthcare provider.
Resources
Information about the JYNNEOS vaccine is available on the CDC's website.
Information about monkeypox is available on the CDC's website and UNC Charlotte's Student Health Center website.