NH DHHS Updates Monkeypox Vaccine Eligibility

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is updating and expanding monkeypox vaccine eligibility criteria to make it easier for people at risk for monkeypox to be vaccinated, and to make it easier for healthcare providers to vaccinate patients they believe are at risk.  

“JYNNEOS vaccine uptake has been low in NH, and with increasing supply we want to make it as easy as possible for people who may be at risk to get vaccinated to protect themselves from infection,” NH State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said. “If someone believes they are at risk for monkeypox virus infection, they should reach out to their healthcare provider to discuss a referral for vaccination, or contact one of the vaccine clinics to schedule an appointment.”

Those recommended to get the 2-dose vaccine series include: 

• Any person who identifies as gay, bisexual, queer, or is a man who has sex with men (MSM) and believes they are at risk for monkeypox virus infection.
• A person of any gender or sexual orientation whom a medical provider thinks is at increased risk for monkeypox virus infection. 
• Persons who report in the prior 14 days a known exposure to the monkeypox virus.

The monkeypox virus continues to spread primarily through sexual networks among persons who identify as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Vaccination locations can be found on the Monkeypox webpage, or contact your healthcare provider. Anyone experiencing monkeypox symptoms, should isolate and call their healthcare provider or call (603) 271-4496.