In partnership with Chicago department of public health, The Wellness Home Initiative is now offering low barrier access to monkeypox assessment, testing & vaccination. (MPV-ATV)
FOR DETAILS ABOUT HOW TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT FOR TESTING, ASSESSMENT, OR VACCINATIONS, PLEASE CONTINUE READING TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
MPOX Vaccines are limited. The PEP++ approach aims to vaccinate individuals at high risk for monkeypox infection, even if they have not had exposure to someone with confirmed monkeypox diagnosis. The occurrence of a known high-risk exposure within the past 14 days is no longer a requirement to receive a vaccination.
--Gay, bisexual, and other men (cisgender or transgender) who are age 18 year or older and
--Have had intimate or sexual contact with other men in social or sexual venues; or
--Have given or received money or other goods and services in exchange for sex; or
--Have intimate or sexual contact with multiple or anonymous partners.
When there is insufficient vaccine supply to meet demand for doses, vaccine may be prioritized for first doses, except for individuals in any of the following categories who should receive their second dose on schedule:
*** In many instances, this means that individuals will not get a second dose at 28-days after their first dose. Delaying second doses beyond 28 days differs from the prescribing label but is consistent with the monkeypox vaccine distribution strategy taken in other US jurisdictions, as well as the United Kingdom and Canada. Studies have shown that the monkeypox vaccine offers protection for at least several months after the first dose. In addition, receipt of the second vaccine dose should not affect the immune response to the second dose. However, IDPH recommends that second doses should be scheduled as soon as sufficient vaccine becomes available. (Illinois Department of Public Health, 2022)
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can make you sick including a rash or sores (pox), often with an earlier flu-like illness. Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to skin contact.
The rash usually begins within one to three days after the appearance of fever, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body. Lesions can be flat or slightly raised, filled with clear or yellowish fluid, and can then crust, dry up and fall off. The number of lesions on one person can range from a few to several thousand. The rash tends to be concentrated on the face, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. They can also be found on the mouth, genitals, and eyes.
Symptoms typically last 2–4 weeks and go away on their own without treatment. If you think you have symptoms that could be monkeypox, seek advice from your health care provider. Let them know if you have had close contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed monkeypox.
Avoid close contact (touching sores, kissing, sex) with anyone who has a rash or symptoms of monkeypox.
If you or a recent partner (from the last 21 days) have been exposed or have symptoms, you should see a healthcare provider (remind them monkeypox is circulating), cover rash/sores, wear a mask, and avoid close contact with others. If you do not feel well or have an unusual rash or sores, take a break from sex and going out to bars, gyms, clubs, and other events.
The risk of monkeypox is not limited to people who are sexually active or self-identify as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men. Anyone who has close physical contact with someone who is infectious is at risk. Anyone who has symptoms that could be monkeypox should seek advice from a healthcare provider immediately. This includes people who have connections to communities where cases have been reported.
If you or any recent partners have unusual sores or a rash, go see a healthcare provider. Remind your provider that monkeypox is circulating. If you need help finding a medical provider because you are worried about syphilis, herpes, or monkeypox, call the HIV/STI Resource Hub at 844-482-4040.
Monkeypox can spread from one person to another through close physical contact, including sexual contact. It is currently not known whether monkeypox can be spread through sexual transmission routes (e.g., through semen or vaginal fluids), but direct skin-to-skin contact with lesions during sexual activities can spread the virus.
Monkeypox rashes are sometimes found on genitals and in the mouth, which is likely to contribute to transmission during sexual contact. Mouth-to-skin contact could also cause transmission where skin or mouth lesions are present.
Monkeypox rashes can resemble some sexually transmitted diseases, including herpes and syphilis.
Ask your sex partners about symptoms. See if they have had any unusual rashes and sores in the last 3 weeks.
The risk of acquiring monkeypox is not limited to people who are sexually active or gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men. Anyone who has close physical contact with someone who is infectious is at risk. Anyone who has symptoms that could be monkeypox should seek advice from a health worker immediately.
Yes, if you have been told by a healthcare provider that you have a monkeypox infection or suspect you may have monkeypox, you should isolate. Persons who do not require hospitalization can isolate at home. Below are a couple of protective measures you can take at home:
Do not leave your home except as required for follow-up care.
Limit contact with household members who are not ill. If you have extensive sores that can’t be covered or if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, isolate in a room separate from other family members and pets when possible.
If you do need to be in contact with others in the home, both you and your other household members should wear a well-fitting surgical mask.
Restrict visitors to those who are essential to being in the home, especially if they have not been previously exposed.
Avoid contact with animals, including pets, when possible.
Avoid use of contact lenses to prevent inadvertent infection of the eye.
Avoid shaving areas of the body with lesions as this can lead to spread of the virus.
Household members who are not ill should limit contact with you until your lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed; non-household members should not visit.
After ending isolation when all scabs have fallen off, use safe sex, barrier practices (i.e., wearing condoms) for at least 8 weeks.
If you are isolating at home, your isolation can end when all lesions have resolved, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed. This process can typically take 2–4 weeks. Due to this, the timing of isolation will vary from person to person. Individuals with monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider to determine if it is appropriate to end isolation. If you do not have a provider or health insurance, visit a public health clinic near you.
Once an individual with monkeypox ends isolation, they should avoid close contact with immunocompromised persons until all scabs have fallen off. Immunocompromised persons include persons with immunologic disorders (such as HIV or congenital immune deficiency syndrome), chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, cancer, emphysema, or cardiac failure), or persons on immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., radiation, cytotoxic chemotherapy, anti-rejection medication, or steroids).
TO REQUEST A MONKEYPOX TESTING APPOINTMENT:
Wellness Home on Halsted
3416 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
Monday-Sunday 11am -6pm
(773) 823-9434
TO REQUEST A MONKEYPOX ASSESSMENT OR VACCINATION APPOINTMENT:
You may immediately email us to request an appointment at: a.mitchell@wellnesshome.org
Additional information about our Monkeypox Testing and Vaccination Services can be found below:
Wellness Home on Halsted
3416 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
Monday-Sunday 11am -6pm
(773) 823-9434
OR
Wellness Home at Northstar
2835 N Sheffield St, Chicago, IL 60657
Suite 500
Monday through Friday 9am-4pm
(773) 296-2400
