OTTAWA – The LaSalle County Health Department is offering the JYNNEOS™ vaccine for eligible individuals, by appointment only. JYNNEOS™ vaccine is used for the prevention of smallpox and monkeypox disease among people determined to be at high risk for infection. JYNNEOS™ vaccine is a two-dose vaccine given under the skin 28 days apart. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not encouraging mass vaccination for the general public or for all sexually active people. As vaccine supply increases guidance is subject to change. Currently, eligibility requirements to receive JYNNEOS™ vaccine are very specific.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health those who are currently eligible to receive vaccination are:
1. Anyone who has had close contact (e.g., household members with close physical contact or intimate partners) with someone diagnosed with MPV regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation.
2. Any sexually active gay, bisexual or other same gender loving man, sexually active trans, non-binary, or gender nonconforming individuals.
If you meet these eligibility requirements, consider getting vaccinated if you met recent partners through online applications or social media platforms, or at clubs, raves, sex parties, saunas, or exchange goods or services for sex.
To schedule your vaccine, please visit the County’s website www.lasallecountyil.gov and select the Health Department’s page and click on the “JYNNEOS™ Vaccine” icon. After verifying vaccine eligibility, individuals will be able to schedule their vaccine appointment. If your desired time or an appointment is not available, please continue to check the website. Additional appointments will be made available based on demand.
For additional information, please contact the LaSalle County Health Department at 815-433-3366 or visit the Health Department’s website at www.lasallecountyil.gov.
Weekday Mornings, 6am-11am
