Suffolk to Also Partner With Stony Brook Medicine and Sun River Health to Distribute Vaccines
Healthcare Providers Urged to Suggest mpox Vaccine to Patients at Risk
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced that the Suffolk County Department of Health Services will be dispensing mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) vaccines to eligible residents at locations throughout Suffolk County throughout the summer.
“Preventive measures are available to help us contain the spread of this virus in our communities and for that we are very grateful,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “We urge all residents and visitors to our county who are eligible to receive the mpox vaccine to take advantage of these free clinics.”
Although mpox incidence in Suffolk County and New York State is currently low, summer festivals pose an increased risk of mpox transmission due to low vaccination rates and lack of immunity in those at highest risk for infections and illness. The most common spread of mpox is through direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids, though it is possible to spread mpox by touching objects, such as clothing or linens that have been contaminated with body fluids.
According to a recent CDC report, only a small percentage of those who are at highest risk of contracting mpox have been fully vaccinated against the disease; 23% nationwide and 30% statewide. Data suggest that individuals who identify as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men comprise the majority of reported cases in the current mpox outbreak.
Healthcare providers are also required to immediately notify the local health department if they suspect an mpox infection.
Dr. Gregson H. Pigott, Commissioner of Health Services for Suffolk County is urging all healthcare providers to suggest the mpox vaccine to their patients who are at risk. “Our goal is prevention,” said Dr. Pigott. “We ask healthcare providers to refer all patients who feel they may be at risk of contracting the infection to complete the two-dose Jynneos vaccination series.”
"I'm delighted that Stony Brook Medicine is collaborating once again with the Suffolk County Department of Health in our shared mission to safeguard our community against the threat of mpox," said Hal Paz, MD, executive vice president of Health Sciences and CEO of Stony Brook Medicine. "The health of our community remains our primary focus, and by partnering with Suffolk County Department of Health and delivering vaccine doses around Long Island, including at the Stony Brook Medicine Edie Windsor Healthcare Center in Hampton Bays, we aim to enhance vaccination rates, promote awareness and protect the health and well-being of our residents."
Unless contraindicated, vaccination is recommended for:
- Those with known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox
- Those with a sex partner who in the previous two weeks has been diagnosed with mpox
- Those who identify as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender, nonbinary, or a gender-diverse person who in the past six months has had any of the following:
- A new diagnosis of one or more STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis)
- More than one sex partner
- Those who have had any of the following in the past six months:
- Sex at a commercial sex venue (e.g., sex club or bathhouse)
- Sex related to a large commercial event or in a geographic area (e.g., city or country) where mpox transmission is occurring
- Those with a sex partner with any of the above risks
- Those who anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios
- Persons living with HIV (PLWH) or other causes of immune suppression who had recent or anticipate future risk of mpox exposure from any of the above scenarios
- Those who work in settings where they may be exposed to mpox:
- Those who work with orthopoxviruses in a laboratory
- Those who are part of an orthopoxvirus health care worker response team
- Those who engage in transactional sex
- Those who have or anticipate attending private or public sex parties
The JYNNEOS vaccine is licensed by the US FDA as a two-dose series for the prevention of mpox among adults ages 18 and older. The vaccine is also authorized by the FDA for administration in individuals under age 18 who are at risk for mpox.
The vaccines will be offered during the month of June as follows:
Special Event
PRIDE AT THE FARM
Suffolk County Farm & Education Center
350 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank, NY,
Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Suffolk County Vaccination Clinics – June walk-in schedule
Patchogue - June 13, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Patchogue-Medford Library
54-60 East Main St., Patchogue, NY
Holbrook - June 20, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sachem Library
50 Holbrook Road, Holbrook, NY
West Babylon - June 27, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
West Babylon Library
211 Route 109, West Babylon, NY
Riverhead - June 28, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Riverhead Library
330 Court Street, Riverhead, NY
Mpox vaccines are also being offered by our partner organizations:
Stony Brook Medicine's Edie Windsor Healthcare Center located at 182 W. Montauk Highway, Building B, Suite D. Hampton Bays, NY. To schedule an appointment at the Edie Windsor Center, call 631-287-5990.
Sun River Health Care Centers located throughout Suffolk County. To schedule an appointment at a Sun River Health Center, visit https://www.sunriver.org/monkeypox-vaccine/
*Recommended childhood vaccines are available at these clinics to uninsured residents of six months to 18 years of age. COVID-19 vaccinations are also available to eligible residents of all ages.