Monkeypox vaccine available

Aug 15, 2022

The health center is the only site in Carroll County where monkeypox vaccination is available. You don’t need to be a patient of the health center to be vaccinated. If you think you meet the criteria to get a vaccine, please complete our Monkeypox Vaccine Request Form and we will contact you to schedule an appointment.

You can get the monkeypox vaccine after an exposure if:

  • You’ve had hours of face-to-face contact or direct physical contact with someone with suspected or confirmed monkeypox in the past 14 days.
  • You’ve had physical contact with items such as clothing or linens that have previously touched the rash or body fluids of a person with monkeypox in the past 14 days.
  • You’re a healthcare worker and you’ve had an exposure to monkeypox in the past 14 days without wearing all recommended PPE.

You can get the monkeypox vaccine without an exposure if you are a man who has sex with men and ONE of the following is true:

  • You’re taking medication for HIV prevention (PrEP)
  • You’ve had 3 or more new sex partners in the last month
  • You engage in group or anonymous sex, sex-on-site venues or events, or sex in exchange for money, drugs, or other services.

We are not charging a fee for monkeypox vaccination. It costs us about $30 in supplies and staff time to administer this vaccine. We appreciate donations to cover some or all of that cost from those who are able. It’s important to us to ensure that everyone who qualifies can access this vaccine.

Monkeypox causes a rash, bumps, or blisters anywhere on the body, including the genitals. Other symptoms can include flu-like symptoms such as a fever, headaches, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptom onset ranges from 5 to 21 days after exposure. Click here for more detailed signs and symptoms of monkeypox.

Most primary care providers can test for monkeypox. NH DHHS recommends talking to your healthcare provider if you have a new skin rash or legions, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.

Monkeypox is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but it is often transmitted through close and sustained physical contact, which can include sexual contact. To reduce your risk of getting monkeypox, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox; avoiding contact with objects and fabrics that a person with monkeypox has used; and washing your hands often.

If you think you may have monkeypox, please make an appointment with a provider. Our providers are accepting new patients, and our sliding fee scale makes visits affordable for people at all income levels. Call (603) 447-8900 to schedule an appointment or click here to fill out new patient forms.

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