The state health department is reporting 243 cases of monkeypox throughout 15 counties. The highest concentrations are in Hudson, Essex and Bergen counties, those in closest proximity to New York City, which is still the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending vaccination for people who’ve been exposed as well as for those at higher risk of being exposed.
Now that the White House has declared monkeypox a national public health emergency, state leaders are expecting a bigger tranche of the available vaccines. Residents report having a tough time tracking down the shots. As of the last week, the state has received about 5,500 doses, with another 14,000 in the pipeline.
In Jersey City, the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation is operating one of the state’s five current monkeypox vaccine clinics. Senior director of Public Policy and Prevention Axel Torres Marrero says demand is far outstripping supply.
