Racial Disparities In Monkeypox Vaccines

Monkeypox
Written By Luis Calderin
 

According to the CDC, as of August 30th, there are 18,416 confirmed monkeypox cases in the United States. America currently has the highest amount of cases globally, by more than 10,000.

The Biden administration claims that there are enough monkeypox vaccines available to the general public. However, some health officials believe that those who need protection from the virus the most are not receiving proper care.

The CDC reports that roughly 45% of all JYNNEOS vaccine doses administered to the U.S. population have gone to White, non-Hispanic people and 21% to Hispanic people.

Only 9.5% of the JYNNEOS vaccines have been allocated to Black, non-Hispanic people, even though black people make up almost one-third of all Monkeypox cases in the country.

The gap is an echo of disparities seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when certain racial groups were a disproportionately large share of cases but a smaller fraction of the people initially receiving vaccinations.

“If we’re not careful, the same thing will happen here” with monkeypox.

- Dr. Yvens Laborde, (Director of global health education at Ochsner Health in New Orleans.)

There have only been 3 confirmed monkeypox cases in Vermont. Although transmission rates in VT are low compared to neighboring states, the most efficient way to guarantee minimal cases is by vaccinating a majority of the population. 

As of now, the state has received 2,006 vials of the JYNNEOS vaccine. Check with your PCP to see if you are eligible for the first dose. Once approved, schedule an appointment with one of the following providers that offer the vaccine. 

The CDC is working towards equitably balancing resources for outbreak response in non-endemic countries with control in endemic countries (e.g., access and distribution of vaccines and therapeutics).

In addition, they plan to evaluate the equitable distribution of testing, treatment, prevention measures and other resources; and evaluate measures to improve access for underserved groups.

Outside of vaccinating yourself and taking proper precautions against monkeypox, one of the best ways to keep yourself safe is by staying informed on the matter. To keep up to date on everything monkeypox related, sign up for our newsletter.

View the hMPXV Fact Sheet from the Department of Health Here.

 
Luis Calderin
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