As monkeypox virus (MPV) cases rise in Illinois, officials are forced to reserve vaccines for "the highest risk" individuals until more supplies arrive.
Why it matters: Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared a state of emergency Monday to expand MPV resources.
- Illinois has the third-highest number of cases nationally with 520.
Driving the news: The Chicago Department of Public Health has administered about 5,000 doses of the MPV vaccine. It received an additional 15,000 last week and expects 13,000 more in coming weeks.
- But Cook County is home to about 120,000 high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM), CDPH commissioner Allison Arwady said yesterday.
Zoom in: This makes demand fierce at places like the Center on Halsted, where "180 available vaccine appointments were claimed online within five minutes," Center CEO Modesto Tico Valle tells Axios.
- The Center has two scheduled clinics this weekend with a total of 600 vaccine appointments.
By the numbers: With 434 cases, Chicago alone has about 7% of the nation's MPV cases.
- As of yesterday, 20 infected Chicagoans had been hospitalized.
- The median age of those infected in the city is 35.
Of note: The vaccine involves a two-shot regimen. The second shot is currently only being offered to the immunocompromised, but Arwady noted that the "biggest increase in protection comes after the first dose."
Zoom out: The same scenario is playing out in other MPV hotspots, including New York City and San Francisco.
What they're saying: Vaccines are currently prioritized for those who have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with MPV, Arwady said.
- Others may be eligible if they are MSM who have additional qualifying factors.
- "I don't anticipate a widening of eligibility in the next couple of weeks, but we'll get a sense after that," Arwady said.
- She added that anybody who has rashes consistent with MPV can and should get tested with their health care provider.
What's next: In anticipation of this weekend's Northalsted Market Days, the city is planning educational flyers, palm cards and video campaigns to educate the public.
- New CDPH prevention slogans include, "Turn the lights on before you turn the lights off," meaning check for sores before having sex.
- And, "If you're sick or have a sore, do no more."
What we're watching: MPV funding. Arwady said the department hasn't "received a single dime for MPV prevention" and is not currently allowed to direct COVID-19 relief funds to MPV efforts.
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