Government begins vaccination against monkeypox: Find out details about the process and who are priority groups

San Juan de Dios Hospital has been chosen to get the monkeypox vaccination process underway. The goal is to reach 85% of the target group. 

Public Health Undersecretary Cristóbal Cuadrado and Healthcare Networks Undersecretary Fernando Araos kicked off this new vaccination process. The “JYNNEOS” vaccine, from the Bavarian Nordic laboratory, has been selected for use. 

According to health authorities, vaccinations will be given in two health centers in the Metropolitan Region during this first stage. The first group to be inoculated will be close contacts of those with monkeypox, who are at a high risk of developing severe disease. 

Close contacts who will be able to get vaccinated are therefore those living with HIV, women at any stage of pregnancy, and the immunosuppressed. The latter group includes solid organ transplant patients; hematopoietic stem cell (bone marrow) transplant patients; cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy treatment; hemo- or peritoneal dialysis patients; and patients with autoimmune diseases receiving biological small molecule and corticosteroid treatments. 

Vaccination should be carried out within 14 days of contact, to prevent people getting seriously ill. Additionally, if people are vaccinated within four days, the risk of developing the disease will be reduced. 

Undersecretaries Cuadrado and Araos emphasized that it is essential for people confirmed with monkeypox to declare their close contacts with the Regional Secretary of the Health Ministry (SEREMI). They will be entered into the register to be contacted, and a vaccination certificate will be processed so that a vaccination appointment can be scheduled for them. 

Vaccination details 

The monkeypox vaccine has proven to be safe among at risk groups and 85% effective in preventing or attenuating the disease. 

The vaccination scheme consists of two doses. They should be applied a minimum of four weeks apart, and ideally should be administered in the same vaccination center. 

The patient must present themselves at the vaccination center with a medical order. The vaccination center staff will verify that the medical order was issued by a doctor through the Digital Hospital online platform. 

Chile received the first consignment of the “JYNNEOS” vaccine on Thursday, October 6. The vaccine is a live and modified third-generation vaccinia Ankara vaccine, which has already shown to be safe and effective. 

This is the first of three consignments that will arrive in Chile this year. They will be used to vaccinate and ensure the protection of groups defined as priority, following the recommendations of experts on our Vaccines and Immunizations Advisory Committee (CAVEI). 

The following monkeypox vaccine consignments will arrive in November and December, which will allow the vaccine plan that will be announced by the Health Ministry to be carried out. 

Symptoms 

Symptoms of the virus are lesions of the skin or mucous membranes. They can be numerous or few, and tend to concentrate on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, mouth, or in the genital and anal area. Other symptoms are a temperature over 38.5°C, swollen glands, headache, muscle aches, and lack of energy. 

It is transmitted through intimate contact with an infected person. This can be skin-to-skin, and involve direct contact with lesions, scabs or bodily fluids, which can occur during sex, hugging, kissing, or sharing objects and personal items. It is therefore important to avoid contact with those who present monkeypox-like symptoms. 

If you present more than one of these symptoms, you are asked to go to a health center, wearing a mask and covering the injuries. 

For more information, please visit www.minsal.cl/viruela-del-mono/.