Hudson County and the City of Hoboken are teaming up to host a monkeypox vaccine clinic next week, scheduled for Tuesday, which is National Coming Out Day.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“It is so important that we all come together to ensure that all Hudson County residents who need access to this vaccine are able to receive it, easily and free of charge,” Hudson County Executive Tom Degise said in a statement.
“I am grateful to be working with the city of Hoboken to get this done, and encourage anyone who feels they might be at risk to sign up for an appointment today.”
The clinic will be hosted at the Jackson Street Gym, 605 Jackson St., in Hoboken on Tuesday at 4 p.m., with another one in the works for November 10th.
Anyone who has been exposed to the virus in the past fourteen days is eligible to receive the vaccine, as are individuals that identify as gay, bisexual, or otherwise men who have sex with men.
Gender non-conforming or gender non-binary individuals who have a history of multiple or anonymous sexual partners within the past fourteen days are also eligible
Individuals must be New Jersey residents who are experiencing no signs of illness, and eligible minors must bring a doctor’s note and a guardian.
“We are continuing to prioritize public health in Hoboken, this time by providing the monkeypox vaccine in an easily accessible location within our Mile Square,”added Mayor Ravi Bhalla.
“While we know monkeypox can affect anyone, we also know that those in the LGBTQ+ community have been disproportionately impacted. I encourage anyone who meets the eligibility to get vaccinated at this clinic, to protect themselves and their community. Thank you to the County and Hudson Regional Health Commission for partnering with us to provide our residents with the vaccine.”
Eligible residents can sign up to receive their first dose of the Jynneos vaccine today, free of charge. The vaccine is a two-dose series to be administered four weeks apart.
“I am proud that our city and our county are taking a leading role in both combating this virus and reducing the stigma around it, which has prevented far too many people from getting vaccinated out of fear of judgment,” noted 1st Ward Councilman Mike DeFusco.
“Those who may not be openly gay and men who have sex with other men who do not always identify as gay are particularly vulnerable to this disease. I know far too well how intimidating gay-centric healthcare can be, but the reality is the LGBTQ+ community has specific health needs that need to be discussed and treated without fear. I look forward to being the first person on line to be vaccinated at this clinic and grateful our community is doing its part to encourage individuals to live happy and healthy lives.”
Recipients will automatically be registered for their second dose of the vaccine at their first appointment. For more information and to sign up, click here.
