Monkeypox vaccine availability in SWFL

Across the United States, there are more than 5,800 confirmed Monkeypox cases. With California and Illinois joining New York State in declaring a public health emergency over the Monkeypox outbreak.

Meanwhile, the Biden Administration is still discussing whether or not to declare Monkeypox a national health emergency.

But, in Lee County, there is reportedly another case of Monkeypox bringing the total to four. And Collier County has seen three confirmed cases of Monkeypox.

Data from the Department of Health and Human Services shows about 36,800 doses of the vaccine have been shipped to Florida.

Collier County has Monkeypox vaccines on hand. But, the catch is the shots are for people who need them most, for now.

Monkeypox can be a risk to anyone but the virus is disproportionately affecting gay and bisexual men. The CDC said the virus is spreading mostly through close intimate contact.

Locals told WINK News they aren’t on board with another shot, just yet.

“As of right now, I would not go to that extreme to get it,” said Robert Hisel, a Southwest Florida resident. Hisel explained, “I haven’t been around it.” I don’t know anybody that has it, but if it comes down to it, yeah, it’s just like the Covid vaccine.”

Mitigating Monkeypox is on the minds of a lot of people. Especially those who work in healthcare, but not as much for the average Joe. “I haven’t really given it much thought,” said local resident John Watts. “Sad what’s going on but I really haven’t given it much thought.”

“I think a lot of it is overhype right now, I really do,” Hisel said. “So, you know, until there’s more of it around and everyone sees it more, course other peoples got it already so they probably look at it differently.”

If you need a Monkeypox vaccine you will need an appointment in Collier County. WINK News is still working to learn if Lee County Health has the vaccine available.